Kerala reports maximum coronavirus cases and deaths in a day
Kerala, which was lauded globally for its response to the coronavirus pandemic initially, is now struggling to contain the surge in cases. On Monday, the Southern state reported the most number of COVID-19 cases, overtaking Maharashtra. Of the 8,689 fresh cases in India, the highest, 3,742, came from Kerala. It also took the lead in deaths as 16 out of 77 deaths were reported from there.
Kerala reported nearly 6,000 fresh cases yesterday
Kerala continued to take the lead, as far as coronavirus cases are concerned, even on Wednesday. The state reported 5,980 fresh infections, marking a daily positivity rate of 7.4% with 80,106 tests. The federal government has directed states to keep the positivity rate under 5%. Meanwhile, 3,451 new cases were reported from Maharashtra. With 49,650 tests, the daily positivity rate there stands at 6.9%.
Mutant strain could be responsible for current situation: Dr. Guleria
Recently, AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria hinted that a mutant strain could be responsible for the situation in Kerala and Maharashtra. "We will have to investigate whether any mutant strain of coronavirus is under circulation in the states which is causing a spurt in the daily infection," he said. Kerala and Maharashtra have reported a total of 9,83,374 and 20,52,253 coronavirus cases respectively.
Demography could also be driving Kerala's crisis
Another factor that may have led to the recent spike in Kerala is demography, Dr. Guleria added. He pointed out that the elderly population in Kerala is high and many suffer from co-morbid conditions. He noted that the lifting of curbs derailed Kerala's coronavirus battle. The Kerala branch of the Indian Medical Association opines the same and has called for not relaxing the restrictions.
Recently, IMA urged Pinarayi Vijayan to keep schools shut
In a letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, IMA Kerala said schools shouldn't be reopened this academic session as it would endanger the lives of children and staff members. "Break the chain activities should be strengthened. During celebrations, the election process, protests, social distancing norms are not being followed. This is also a reason for the increase in COVID-19 cases," the letter read.
IMA asked Kerala government to increase testing
The letter came after two schools in Malappuram turned into COVID-19 hotspots earlier this month. Nearly 187 students and 89 staff members contracted the infection. The medical body also called for studies to judge if a mutant strain is prevalent in the state, asked for amplifying RT-PCR tests, and said that the vaccines must be made available to citizens sooner.
