Thiruvananthapuram : Health Minister KK Shailaja urged people not to lower personal guard on assumption that there is no apparent risk. Whether at home or institution, mingling with people during quarantine is highly risky to oneself and others, the minister said. The basic rule of wearing masks and keeping safe distance holds good no matter what relaxation comes by, the minister added.
Wearing masks and covering up adequately are both important. Masks should not be tied around the neck to pull up at convenience, said Minister Shailaja. The disease manifests in some persons without visible symptoms. Therefore considering there is no infection because one is asymptomatic can prove dangerous. Scores have died in other countries on such illusionary assumption. If everybody follows covid-related state rules strictly, we can tide over this pandemic without major disaster, the minister said.
Rapid antibody testing will begin in the state today - the test that will check for COVID-19 antibodies in asymptomatic persons. The results are obtained as quickly as in 15 minutes. Antibody testing is being carried out to detect if there exists community spread anywhere in the state.
Even if antibody testing proves negative, quarantine would be a must for those required to do so as per set rules, the minister said. A majority of quarantines in Kerala are conducted at peoples’ home itself. However for it to be successful, a good amount of awareness and caution should be exercised. An correct assessment of home facility in terms of if it is adequate to limit potential infection, should be made. If not satisfied, the concerned person should be shifted to institutional quarantine.
The rise in number of infections in the state was anticipated well in advance, said the Minister. The enormity of the spread has so far not reached or crossed estimated levels, she added. Only 10.12 percent of all infections have occurred from direct contact so far. If we are able to bring down numbers of infection from direct contact, we would be able to flatten the curve effectively. And, this can be achieved by adhering to govt rules strictly, the minister said.
The man who died in Thrissur had been treated at the Medical College after he arrived from another hospital. He was in very critical condition when admitted. Tests at the Virology institute are awaited to find if he suffered from COVID-19, the minister said.
