Test for all, even if one attendee found positive in Kerala
Lagatar24 Desk : In order to combat the rising cases of COVID-19 in Kerala, the State Government has decided to test all the attendees of public functions even if one of the attendees is found to be corona positive.
The Kerala Government has decided not to let down the vigil against the persisting thread of COVID-19, but it would be realistic with regard to the travails of the public caused by long shutdowns that were enforced a couple of times state-wide.
As per the latest decision taken after Wednesday’s review meeting on the pandemic status, the Government would continue with the current lockdown restrictions and relaxations allowed.
Significantly, if anyone who takes part in public functions such as weddings or funerals tests positive for COVID-19, then all those who attended the function will be tested for the disease.
Meanwhile, the first dose of the vaccine will be administered to all aged above 18 by the end of September.
As Wayanad, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvananthapuram, and Ernakulam districts are way ahead in vaccination only those with symptoms will be tested in these districts from now on. Extensive testing will be held in districts where the vaccination coverage has been low.
In districts where more than 70 percent of the first dose vaccine has been administered, the vaccination will be completed in two weeks.
These decisions were taken during the review meetings chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Health Minister Veena George on Tuesday. The meeting to be chaired by the Chief Minister on Saturday will take a call on if more restrictions are needed.
No decision was taken to withdraw the Sunday lockdown.
Genomic studies
The health department has been tasked with carrying out genomic studies in Idukki, Palakkad, and Kasaragod districts where over 5 percent of people who had taken both doses of the vaccine tested positive for COVID-19 in a span of two weeks.
