Thiruvananthapuram: 28,514 new cases of Covid-19 were detected in Kerala on May 22 from 1,26,028 sample tests in the last 24 hours with a test positivity rate of 22.63%. The highest number of 176 Covid deaths on a single day so far was also reported and the death toll in the State is now 7,170. On May 22 45,400 patients have recovered from the disease bringing down the total number of active cases in the State to 2,89,283. Malappuram district has the highest number of 3,932 new positive cases today.
In his media briefing, the Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan said, “The increasing number of deaths is a matter of concern. The severity of the disease and deaths are increasing after the second wave of Covid has reached its peak. This is a crucial time for hospitals and strong safety measures required to deal with this phase. Our primary duty now is to save lives and whatever possible will be done to ensure this. The second Covid wave has taught us some new lessons. While there is a strong possibility of a third wave, the government will immediately initiate strong measures to evaluate these experiences in detail and prepare for a better defence. The stringent vigilance of the people helped us contain the second wave and we should continue it in a similar manner for some more time.”
Restrictions will be tightened in the Malappuram district where the test positivity rate is still high. An action plan will be implemented for the district. 75,000 sample tests will be conducted on Monday and Tuesday. More police officers have been deployed in the district to ensure effective implementation of the existing regulations under the triple lockdown. Police have been directed to take all legal action against those violating the regulations.
Meanwhile, the CM also announced that the SSLC IT practical examination will be avoided. “The SSLC, Higher Secondary and Vocational Higher Secondary valuation will be held from June 01 to 19 and the SSLC valuation from June 07 to 25. Higher Secondary and Vocational Higher Secondary practical examinations will be held from June 21 to July 07. Teachers who go for valuation will be vaccinated and it will be completed before the valuation starts.”
Special action plan for Covid centres to face monsoon season
The Chief Minister also gave detailed information on the action plan to be followed to equip health facilities as the monsoon sets in the State in the next few days, especially in view of the Covid spread. Disasters such as floods or landslides caused by heavy rains may affect the operations of CFLTCs or SLTCs designed specifically to deal with Covid patients. The plan includes preparations to overcome all problems as much as possible. As part of this, a comprehensive list of all health centres vulnerable to floods and landslides is being prepared. Each health centre will have an inventory of equipment and other items that need to be removed immediately in the event of such an emergency. At the same time, they should also locate possible places where these activities can continue.
All major hospitals will implement the Mass Casualty Triage Protocol which is the standard for dealing with major disasters. The necessary training will also be ensured. In case of a sudden increase in the number of patients above the efficiency limit of the hospitals, a surge capacity plan will be prepared and training will be provided to implement it. The hospital will also prepare and train an emergency response plan to help respond to emergencies in a flawless manner. A communication system will also be set up to ensure proper coordination in such situations.
