THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : While the number of fresh Covid cases across the state is seemingly on decline, it is too early to sit back, said Health Minister KK Shailaja on Monday. Celebrations including Vishu should be carried out with a touch of caution, never losing sight of the social distancing code, the minister added during the press meet held in the capital.
The mitigation strategies adopted by the State since the outbreaks are beginning to show results. Still, it would be premature to assume we have accomplished safety levels of the reassuring kind. If there be sources of infection still lying off the radar, the epidemic could well resurface, the reason why we need to maintain continued vigil, the minister explained.
According to assessments so far, the infection rate is not likely go up further. Quarantine system is meticulous. Even those with mild symptoms are immediately put on tests. Adequate quantities of testing kits have been procured to ensure there occurs no shortfall when need arises.
Ten laboratories around the state are currently conducting Covid tests. Though the Centre send in testing kits, they will not suffice to match State requirements. To ensure adequate stock, the state govt has made purchases from several other sources. In the event of an unforeseen surge however, extra quantities will have to be arranged for. However, there is no cause to worry on a possible scarcity crisis, the minister said.
Our battle against Covid was waged by arranging 1,000 beds in place of what would be 10 in the normal course. As a result, every infected person could receive quality medical care. As a result of the arrangement, virus patients could be treated at Covid exclusive centres while, people with other ailments were moved to separate blocks or hospitals.
Contact tracing, an all-important preventive tool, has been specially competent with inputs from health workers and police intelligence. Still, there is a lingering anxiety on some who may have eluded agile pursuers. The state has been able to administer class medical attention to individuals diagnosed with the virus. This was made possible by foresight, prior planning and rapid response to contain the pandemic. Kasaragod Medical college was transformed into Covid hospital in a matter of days. It is a relief that the numbers of coronavirus reported in the district is since on a steady decline, the minister said.
The fact remains that, containing coronavirus within the State alone is only part of the gambit. For the war to be won, other states too must contain the pandemic and bring down their numbers like Kerala.
Relaxations on lockdown in coming days will be in line Centre’s instructions. The state is not empowered to lower guard own its own, the Minister clarified to the waiting media.
