THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : After instructions from the Chief Minister, novel coronavirus outbreak in Kerala has been declared as State disaster, said Health Minister KK Shailaja. The decision came about at the Apex Committee meeting of the State Disaster Management helmed by the Chief Secretary. It was decided to undertake all measures required for prevent spread of the virus, she said. The minister was speaking to reporters after a meeting of Rapid Response Team(RRT) at the Directorate of Health in the capital.
2,239 persons from virus-hit regions have arrived into different districts in the State. Of them, 2,155 persons remain in their homes under observation while another 84 are in different hospitals for the purpose. Blood samples from 140 persons who showed doubtful symptoms, have been sent to Pune Virology Institute. Of these, 46 turned out negative for the virus, in the results that arrived so far.
A case of novel coronavirus has been confirmed in a student from Kasaragod who recently returned from Wuhan. Her health condition is said to be satisfactory. With this, the tally for persons confirmed with coronavirus climbed to 3. Condition of all three are stable, said the minister. All remain under close supervision and are being administered the best treatment, the minister added. With a third case of virus reported on Monday, there is need for added precaution, KK Shailaja said.
Individuals returning from virus-pone regions are getting in touch with the Health Department. However, a handful among them choose to remain evasive .Such behaviour is hazardous and kind-of violates law. A one-month observation period at home is a must for all travelers from coronavirus-hit areas. Ignoring the rule puts a person’s own life and that of others at risk. The highest number of Indian students who went to Wuhan belong to Kerala. This is why Kerala needs to keep an extra vigil. If the infection is passed on to people living here, it could spell disaster given the dense population in the State.
It has been decided to lay greater emphasis on preventive measures. Data collection is most important step. Elaborate measures have begun starting Thrissur, Alappuzha, and Kasaragod districts. Preventive measures will be initiated in the remaining 11 districts as well. Strict action will be taken against false propaganda.
Those returning from virus-prone areas should remain indoors for at least 28 days even if there be no symptoms of illness. They should avoid trips to public places as far as possible. Members of public can dispel any anxiety they might have by calling helpline numbers that function all 24 hours. The Health Department will seek to assure and ensure mental wellbeing of such individuals through its counselors.
Coronavirus Control Cell has been set up at the State Health Department and district headquarters. Names of hospitals that provide continued treatment have been advertised in newspapers. Arrangements have been made at Alappuzha’s NIV institute for conducting tests on samples for the virus. We have to stay more alert in coming days. The Health Department has put all arrangements in place to ensure that no one in the State dies of Coronavirus. In this context, Kerala is set to become a role model for bracing up to health challenges with medical competence, the Minister said.
