2 days ago
COVID cases on the rise in the State
COVID-19 cases are on a slow but sure rise in the State.
While hospitalisations or ICU admissions have not shown any rising trend, those now hospitalised due to COVID are all elderly or people with chronic comorbidities, Health department officials have said.
At a meeting of the State Rapid Response Team chaired by Health Minister Veena George here on Tuesday, the officials reiterated the warning that while the disease caused by the COVID virus variants currently in circulation -- LF.7 and XFG -- was mild, it tended to take a bad turn in the elderly and those with comorbidities.
Wearing masks at public places, during travel or in closed spaces was the best preventive measure against COVID. At present, there are 2,223 active cases in the State, 96 of whom are hospitalised.
Ernakulam district has 431 cases, Kottayam 426 and Thiruvananthapuram, 365 cases. All hospitals have been asked to test those coming to the OP clinics or emergency rooms with respiratory symptoms and to ensure that their oxygen facilities are sufficient.
Private hospitals will be asked not to refer COVID cases unnecessarily to major hospitals. People should avoid unnecessary hospital visits and ensure that they wear masks while in hospitals. Hand hygiene and cough etiquette are to be maintained without fail.
The State RRT meeting also issued a public health alert that intermittent rains in the State can lead to a spike in dengue, leptospirosis cases and water-borne diseases like Hepatitis A
Water stagnation around houses and plantations can lead to vector breeding and a spike in dengue cases. Local bodies were directed to make micro plans to check the rise in infectious diseases.
The Additional Chief Secretary (Health) and other senior Health officials were present at the meeting.
