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Covid clusters will be identified, tests to be increased: Kerala CM

 

Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of the first confirmed case of Omicron variant in the state, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan notified on Monday that Covid-19 clusters will be identified and genetic sequencing tests increased in these spots.

 

According to an official statement by the government, instructions were given to the health department by the CM during the Covid review meeting held today. The CM also said that all the 36 persons who had come in close contact with the Omicron confirmed patient from Ernakulam were in isolation. In the meeting, Vijayan also directed the District Collectors and the Health Department to pay special attention to districts with low vaccination rates, the release said.

 

It further said that, in Kerala, 97% of the eligible population has received the first dose and 70% got the second dose and around 70 lakh people are yet to receive the second jab. He directed that the vaccination rate in Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts be increased. The Chief Minister directed the Health Department to complete it as soon as possible, the release read.

 

With regard to the Covid appropriate behaviour to be followed, the CM said it was mandatory to wear a mask, either a three-layer version or an N 95. Regarding attendances at festivals and events, the CM said that a maximum of 300 people will be allowed in open spaces and a maximum of 150 people will be allowed in closed spaces such as rooms and halls. For weddings and funerals, the status quo of 200 people in open spaces and 100 for closed spaces will continue, the release said and added that the number of people allowed should be proportional to the space available.

 

The CM further noted that steps should be taken to ensure immediate health care is provided to children arriving at schools if they show symptoms of the infection. He said that there should be a general understanding among teachers about post-Covid diseases, and that the issue of fully opening schools was not under consideration presently. The CM also directed the District Collectors to provide the Covid financial assistance in a time bound manner.

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