THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : As 12 cases of Covid-19 unfold in the State, there is need to exercise greater caution , said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Govt is responding to the situation by closing schools and avoiding public functions, CM said speaking at press conference after the cabinet meeting held early on Tuesday noon. The precaution is meant to prevent high risk environment ; there is no cause to panic however, said the minister. The present situation and preventive measures are being considered on priority basis, CM added. Health Minister KK Shailaja and Revenue Minister E Chandrababu too were present at the conference.
The cabinet meeting decided to put on hold all scheduled public events of the govt i.e. all functions up to the end of March have been grounded. No classes or exams shall be held for up to 7th standard. The restriction applies to CBSE and ICSE schools, clarified CM. The govt will arrange for food supplies to those under observation inside their homes, the minister added.
There will be no changes to the examination schedules of 8,9 and 10 standard. Temples, churches and mosques should not host elaborate festivals and rather condense them to brief rituals instead. Anganwadis in the State shall stay shut. One should avoid having large number of people for special occasions such as marriages and try to hold them as brief, limited-audience ceremonies instead, CM said.
Of the 12 people tested positive for Covid-19, three have recovered fully. All three were travelers from Italy. 1,116 persons are under currently under observation in the State. Of them, 967 are being monitored in their homes while 149 are kept in various hospitals. Blood samples from 807 individuals were sent to NIV for testing of which, 717 were eliminated following negative results. The results on the rest are being awaited.
