“In the last 24 hours, Kerala recorded 115 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total active cases in the state to 1,749. Kerala Health Minister Veena George reassured the public, stating that there was no need to worry as the state was well-prepared to handle the virus infection. The increase in COVID cases had been anticipated, and ministerial-level meetings were held in November to plan appropriate measures.
The state implemented steps such as increased testing for individuals with symptoms, genomic sequencing of samples, and ensuring an adequate stock of protective gear and medicines. An online mock drill from December 13 to 16 involved 1,192 government and private hospitals to assess the availability of isolation wards, oxygen beds, ICUs, and ventilators.
In a recent high-level meeting, the minister directed the provision of special facilities for COVID patients, ensuring the availability of necessary beds and treatment in the districts themselves for non-serious cases. The state currently has 1,957 oxygen beds, 2,454 ICU beds, and 937 ventilator ICU beds. The majority of active cases exhibit mild symptoms, and recent deaths were primarily among individuals over 65 with comorbidities. Only one case of the JN.1 omicron variant was confirmed, and the individual has recovered. No deaths due to the virus were reported in the last 24 hours in Kerala, with 112 individuals cured, discharged, or migrated, bringing the total recoveries to 68,36,979.”
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