Kerala reported 32,819 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, the highest number so far in a day, pushing the total tally to 14,60,364.
As many as 18,413 people were cured of the infection, taking the total recoveries to 12,07,680.
The active cases touched 2,47,181, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said during his customary evening briefing.
In the last 24 hours, 1,41,199 samples were tested, and the test positivity rate was 23.24 per cent.
With 32 deaths being reported on Tuesday, the state's death toll has risen to 5,170.
Of the positive cases, 95 were health workers, while 265 had come from outside the state and 30,409 infected through contact. The source of infection of 2,049 among them is unknown.
No UK returnee has tested positive for the virus in the last 24 hours.
Key points from CM's press meet:
• Mutant virus is spreading fast. Checks will be strengthened at railways stations and bus stations.
• Works have started to increase number of oxygen beds.
• The government is considering granting parole to prisoners as COVID-19 is spreading in jails.
• 13,625 health workers, including doctors and nurses, made part of COVID-19 brigade. However, this is not enough. The government urges more people to come up and register themselves as part of COVID-19 brigade.
• Oxygen beds will be set up in all FLCTs and main hospitals. Beds in ESI hospitals will also be converted into oxygen beds.
• Buffer stock of oxygen will be increased.
• In Pathanamthitta, COVID-19 has been reported among migrant workers. Tests have been increased among them.
• In Ernakulam, steps have started to increase the production of medical oxygen. Four new plants will be set up in the district.
• Tribal cell has been set up in Wayanad district to coordinate containment measures among tribes people.
• The number of CFLTC will be increased in Kasaragod.
• Risk assessment studies on three variants of viruses have been conducted in Kerala. It has been found that they spread fast. Death rate will also increase in proportion to the infection rate.
• If possible, everyone should wear N-95 masks. Otherwise double-layered masks should be used.
• The campaign that the present vaccines cannot prevent the virus is false. Studies have proven that the vaccines are effective.
• Adequate stock of vaccines is required to allot slots for vaccination for a good number of days.
• It was said that polling agents should conduct RTPCR tests before entering counting centres. However, those with antigen negative certificates will also be allowed as per EC's decision.
• Awareness drive will be held among migrant labourers about their safety in the state. Vaccines will be made available for them.
• Those spreading fake news will be slapped with Disaster Management Act and Epidemic Act. State police media centre and social media cell have been instructed to monitor fake news.
• Police chief has been directed to increase drone surveillance in all districts.