Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reported that there are 727 active Covid cases in the state. He added that the Omicron JN variant LF7, which has been reported in South-East Asian countries, has been found in the state. Vijayan urged vigilance against infectious diseases during the rainy season, particularly leptospirosis, advising precautions for those in relief operations.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said a “small number” of Covid cases have been reported from the state, even as the southern state, with over 700 active cases, remained the worst-hit in the country. Kerala is followed by Maharashtra, which has 425 active patients.
CM Vijayan, at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, said that the total number of active Covid in the state was 727. Majority of the cases were reported from Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts. He added that the state Health infrastructure was equipped to handle the situation.
He added that it was the Omicron JN variant LF7, which has been reported in South-East Asian countries, that has been found in Kerala.
In the wake of the increase in Covid cases, the state health minister had called a state-level meeting of rapid response teams and directed taking precautions and making necessary arrangements, he said.
“Those with symptoms such as cold, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath must wear masks. It is also advisable for the elderly, pregnant women, and those with serious illnesses to wear masks in public places and while traveling. Masks have been made mandatory in hospitals. Health workers must wear masks,” Vijayan said.
He said that the Health Department was closely monitoring the increase in Covid cases in the state.
The CM further said that since it was the rainy season, constant vigilance against infectious diseases was necessary.
He advised extreme caution against leptospirosis infection as it can be severe.
He said that those involved in relief operations or dealing with soil and sewage must take doxycycline as per the instructions of health workers to prevent leptospirosis infection.
