Highlights
- In Kerala, 72% COVID-19 deaths are among people aged above 60 years
- COVID test positive ratio in Kerala increased after Onam: Ms Shailaja
- Ms Shailaja believes that Kerala is witnessing a second wave of COVID-19
Thiruvananthapuram: Most of the COVID-19 patients in Kerala belong to the age category of 20-40 years, while 72 per cent of those who died of COVID-19 are above 60 years, State Health Minister KK Shailaja said on Sunday (September 27). Addressing a press meet here on Sunday, she said: “Most of the COVID-19 positive patients in Kerala belong to the age category of 20-40 years, while 72 per cent of those who died of COVID-19 are above 60 years.”
Also Read: Kerala Wins UN Award For Control Of Non-Communicable Diseases
Till Saturday, 656 people died in the state due to COVID-19 which is 0.39 per cent of the total cases, she informed.
Kerala has reported as many as 1,67,939 COVID-19 cases till September 26, of which 1,14,530 patients have recovered.
The recovery rate is still stable in the state. But after Onam when the government had lifted restrictions and following the unlock the test positive ratio of the state has increased. This is a matter of concern, she said.
Giving details on the discharge policy of Kerala, Ms Shailaja said that in Kerala a COVID-19 positive person is discharged only after 10-15 days when the test results come negative.
But as per the suggestion from the Centre, a COVID-19 patient can be discharged in 4 or 5 days if the patient shows no symptoms. But we do not follow that here, she stated.
The Health Minister added that Kerala is witnessing a second wave and people have to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the health department.
Most of the countries which have given relaxations are planning to impose strict lockdown. COVID-19 spread is a serious concern and everyone should do their part to break the chain, she said further.
Also Read: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Warns Of Possibility Of New ‘COVID Clusters’ In Kerala After Onam
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.
