Nineteen more COVID-19 positive cases were confirmed in Kerala on Thursday, 26 March, taking the total tally to 126 active cases.
Out of these, nine persons are from Kannur, three from Kasargod, two from Thrissur, one from Idukki, one from Wayanad and three from Malappuram, said the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a press conference on Thursday evening.
Five persons, two foreigners and three natives from Kannur, who were being treated for COVID-19 in Ernakulam will be discharged on Friday, 27 March. Another person from Pathanamthitta who had returned from Italy, has also been declared as recovered.
So far, 12 people have recovered from the deadly virus.
Till date 5,342 samples of suspect cases have been sent for testing out of which 3,768 came as negative.
1,02,003 persons are placed under surveillance, out of which 1,01,402 are under home isolation and 601 are admitted in designated isolation facilities
On Wednesday, all state-run liquor stores were closed as part of the 21-day coronavirus nationwide lockdown. Earlier, the chief minister had refused to shut down the liquor outlets, stating that it could lead to the production of illicit liquor and have ‘social repercussions.’
Despite the lockdown, the state has assured availability of all essential services.
Grocery shops, dairies and milk booths, hospitals, nursing homes, police, fire stations and ATMs will remain open.
Today, several people had lined up outside shops and markets. The Kerala police ensured that people don’t stand in close proximity and also questioned every person seen stepping out of their homes.
Kerala police department has already registered 402 cases against people for violating the lockdown regulations.
Community Kitchens to Home Deliver Food for Elderly
The Kerala government announced an ambitious scheme on Wednesday, to open community kitchens across the state. The municipality and panchayat officials have been instructed to home deliver food to those in quarantine, unable to go out, the elderly, people with disabilities and the marginalised.
Those who distribute food must take care of all safety regulations, said the chief minister.
The state government also announced that free ration will be given to all cardholders.
The chief minister said local authorities will be responsible for delivering food to those in home quarantine and are not able to get food otherwise.
He urged the municipality and panchayat authorities to arrange for community kitchens, to offer food to the aged, elderly and persons with disabilities.
Covid Care Centres Established
As per the statistics released by the state health department, 76,542 persons are placed under surveillance, out of which 76,010 are home quarantined, and 532 are admitted in designated isolation facilities.
Till date 4,902 samples have been sent for testing of which 118 are positive, 3,465 are negative.
Covid Care Centres have been established in all districts to accommodate people who have been advised home quarantine but have no residence in Kerala – for example, tourists, people in transit.
For providing psychological support to the families of suspected persons, 676 persons have been deployed across the state. 42517 counselling sessions have been provided till date.
Meanwhile, Kasargod which has come under the spotlight for being the most vulnerable district in the state, reported no new cases on Thursday, which came as a huge relief.
The district has reported the highest number of cases with 44 positive cases as of Tuesday.
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