Today was a bad day for Kerala on the COVID-19 war front. One death and 42 new infections were reported on Friday—the highest number of new cases reported in Kerala so far.
As has been the pattern for quite some time, the majority of the infected ones are non-residential Keralites (NRKs). Out of the 42 new cases today, 17 came from abroad, 21 from Maharashtra and one each from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
One health worker has also been infected today in the state.
"The situation is grave. Everyone should be careful to wear masks and keep physical distancing. We must overcome this difficult situation,'' said the CM.
Kannur district has reported the maximum number of cases (12) followed by Kasargode (7), Kozhikode (5), Palakkad (5), Malappuram (4) and Kottayam (2). Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Wayanad districts have one case each.
"More cases are going to be reported in the state as more Keralites are coming to the state from hot spots across the country and the Gulf. The state government is prepared to take care of all of them,'' said the CM. "Everyone needs to be careful,'' he added.
This spike was expected as NRKs have started coming to the state, the CM added, urging caution.
There are a total of 216 patients getting treated in various government hospitals in the state as of today. So far, the state has reported 736 COVID-19 positive cases.
Stating that people are coming out from their homes unnecessarily, the CM said that everyone should strictly follow reverse quarantine.
"Those above 60 and children need extra care and everyone should be careful to follow that,'' he said. "Kerala belongs to all Keralites and we must welcome them all. They have equal rights to their home state,'' he said. Concessions in lockdown are not meant for celebration but to retrieve normal life, he added.
Meanwhile, three cases have been registered against those who violated quarantine. There have been many reports of violations of quarantine—14 days of which is mandatory is for everyone coming to Kerala—among NRKs who have reached the state once the lockdown was lifted. Amid the spike in cases, police have been directed to take violations of quarantine more seriously.
The CM also requested those who will be celebrating Eid on Sunday to be careful.
