29,322 new Covid-19 cases reported in Kerala

Kochi: The night curfew slapped on Kerala since last Sunday has failed to yield any result as the number of new patients diagnosed with Covid-19 continue to remain high. On Friday, out of the 1.63 lakh samples sent for testing, 29,322 persons were found to be infected with Covid-19, said a release by health minister Veena George.

The Test Positivity Rate remained high with 17.91 per cent while the pandemic claimed 131 lives taking the death toll in the State till date to 21,280. The State also saw 118 health workers falling prey to Covid-19.

Thrissur diagnosed 3530 persons on Friday and remained at the top of the table of districts with high patients. Ernakulam (3435), Kozhikode (3344), Kollam (2957) were the districts with highest number of Covid -19 patients.

Across the State, 2.46 lakh patients are undergoing treatment for Covid-19. The



Government’s move to reopen schools in the State and conduct examinations for Class XI suffered a set back as the Supreme Court on Friday stayed the move of the LDF Government in this regard in the backdrop of the increasing number of Covid patients in the State.

The apex court took note of the unabated increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the State and asked the administration whether the Government of Kerala has taken into account the 30,000 cases being recorded per day.

“As we could not get satisfactory response from counsel for the State in this regard we grant interim relief staying offline exam till next date of hearing,” said the Bench consistinhg of Judges A M Khanwilkar, Hrishikesh Roy and C T Ravikumar while considering a petition moved on behalf of Plus One students in the State.