As COVID positivity rate remains high in Kerala, Union Health Secretary suggests measures

Due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written to Kerala Chief Secretary Dr. V P Joy, suggesting measures to control spre of COVID-19 in state. Rajesh Bhushan has shared his concern towards Kerala's positivity rate which is still 10.3% in few districts and more than 10% in seven districts. se seven districts include Kannuar, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakk, and Thrissur.  Apart from an overall decline in cases in Kerala, he told that two districts are again recording an increase in COVID-19 cases for past four weeks in state.

Union Health Secretary has also put his focus on number of deaths and testing in Kerala. Kollam and Wayan have shown an increase in number of deaths due to COVID-19 for past four weeks. Thrissur and Malappuram have reported more than 70 deaths in one week. However, Thiruvantharpuram has reported a slight decline in number of deaths .

Suggestions by Rajesh Bhushan to control COVID-19 in Kerala

After giving proper analysis of COVID-19 situation of Kerala, Rajesh Bhushan has suggested some ways to control spre of COVID-19 in Kerala. He urged Kerala chief secretary to take following measures at earliest,

Strict Containment Measures to be taken

As per MoHFW guidelines, it is important for Kerala government to plan containment measures and implement m strictly so that situation comes under control.  Furr, he says that action should be taken to trace close contact of positive cases and to immediately isolate or quarantine m.

Increase in RT-PCR Testing and Vaccination

For early identification, state should boost its COVID-19 testing in districts with more than 10% cases. Preferably, he focused on RT-PCR test and told state to maintain positivity rate below 5% in all districts. Vaccination should ramp up on a priority basis for all citizens above group of 18+ and strategies should be me for effective utilization of vaccines.

Proper Healthcare Infrastructure Planning

state should plan for augmentation of healthcare infrastructure if bed occupancy is more than 40%. logistics of healthcare facilities should be planned according to geographical spre of pandemic. state should also mention timely disclosure of all infrastructure availability on public portals or social media in order to avoid misinformation.

Appropriate Health Manment

Proper clinical manment should be done in order to identify weak spot in COVID-19 manment, so that equate action can be taken at right time.

Following COVID-19 Protocols

Heavy fines should be charged to people who violate COVID-19 protocols like social distancing and wearing masks in public places.

union health secretary also requested state to share actions taken so far in order to stop spre of virus as per directions under Disaster Manment Act by MHA.

(PTI/@ANI-TWITTER)