22,064 new Covid-19 cases reported in Kerala

Kochi: Kerala continues to report a surge in Covid cases as it confirms 22,064 new positive cases yesterday. The test positivity rate has increased to 13.53 percent. 128 deaths were also confirmed due to Covid yesterday taking the total death toll to 16,585.  

Bringing respite, 16,649 people recovered from the covid infection. At present, a total of 1 lakh 54,820 people are undergoing covid treatment in the state. Malappuram district has reported the highest number of covid positive cases at 3,679. There are more than 2,000 covid cases being reported in Thrissur, Kozhikode, Ernakulam and Palakkad districts as well. Over one lakh 63,000 samples were tested in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the lockdown restrictions in Kerala have been extended for another week. The seven-day restrictions  will continue until



next Thursday. The only add-on to the covid relaxations is to allow photo studios to open. There will be complete lockdown on Saturdays and Sundays. As Kerala witnesses an unprecedented covid hike, a Central team will reach the state to analyze the ongoing pandemic situation throughout the state.

The six member team will be led by National Disease Control Director Sujeet Kumar Singh. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya made the announcement of the Central Team's visit to Kerala. He said the purpose of the visit is to ensure central assistance in the event of more covid cases being reported in Kerala.

Meanwhile, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote a letter of concern addressed to Kerala. The move comes amid reports of super-spread in some places of the state.