New Delhi, Apr 12: Ramping up efforts to "stamp out" coronavirus cases in the state, Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac has said that not only lockdown but intense testing of people and tracing of their contacts are also equally important in the fight against the outbreak.
Kerala, which was the first state in the country to report a coronavirus infection in late January, has also prepared a time table for coming out of the lockdown and there would be district-specific strategies to tackle the situation while the number of cases are on the decline.
In efforts to curb spreading of coronavirus infections, the country is under a 21-day lockdown till April 14 and many states have sought an extension amid rising number of cases. Kerala has proposed extending the lockdown and gradual phasing out after proper assessment.
"Lockdown should go on till we stamp out entire infections. Now, it is not enough to have lockdown. Equally important is that we should have intense testing, tracing and isolating (of people with coronavirus infections)," he said in a telephonic interview.
The government is closely monitoring the situation and there would be region-specific or district-specific strategies in place to tackle the outbreak, he said.
Against the backdrop of the lockdown that has also disrupted economic activities, Isaac said an exit strategy is being prepared and restrictions are being relaxed in certain segments, including agriculture.
Coronavirus India update: State-wise total number of confirmed cases, deaths on April 12
"The number of patients is coming down (in the state). We hope that in the coming days, the decline will be much more faster," he said during the interview late Friday.
On Saturday, the Kerala government said there were a total of 373 confirmed cases of coronavirus infections and 228 patients were under treatment in various hospitals in the state.
Keeping the trend in the last few days, the number of people under observation has come down to 1,23,490. So far, 14,613 samples from people with symptoms were sent for testing and the results of 12,818 samples have come negative, the government said in a statement on Saturday.
Indicating that there would be a calibrated exit from the lockdown, Isaac said the withdrawal would depend on three main factors, including the count of cases and the percentage of people who are under observation.
While emphasising that people must also be fed during the lockdown period, Isaac also said a time table is being prepared by the state to come out of the lockdown.
Even as strict measures are being implemented to deal with the current situation, the state is also preparing for a possible third wave of coronavirus cases.
Three students, who had returned from the Chinese city of Wuhan, were tested positive. They were also the first such cases, to be reported in January-February period, and have recovered. Wuhan was the epicentre of coronavirus infections before it spread to other countries.
Later, there was a second wave of infections in Kerala.
According to the minister, the possibility of a third wave has also been considered for the exit strategy.
"A lot of Malayalees are expected to come back from outside the state. We will welcome them... before that, we want to stamp out all Covid cases in Kerala. Flatten the curve completely so that when these people from outside, they will be quarantined, they will be tested and only then they will be able to integrate with the rest of the community," he said.
The Kerala government's measures, including extensive testing and efforts to trace people who came in contact with coronavirus-infected persons, have helped in curbing spreading of infections.
The state's public healthcare system has also been appreciated in various quarters.
"People are health conscious. There is a demand for quality healthcare services and the response to this demand has been strengthening of the public healthcare system. We have a robust public healthcare system," the minister emphasised.
On April 9, Isaac tweeted about low level of coronavirus spreading in the state.
"International norm for Covid spread is 2.6 per 1 Covid patient. Total number of primary Covid infected who arrived in Kerala from abroad is 254. The secondary spread has been limited to 91. The international mortality rate is 5.75. With just 2 deaths, rate in Kerala is 0.58," he had tweeted.
Death toll due to the coronavirus increased to 273 and the number of cases to 8,356 in the country on Sunday.
Comments
Bajrang Dal still exist in Mangalore because majority of followers are monkeys. They just goes with stupid and illiterate people without questioning their background. Most of Bajrang Dal leader either ex-ladies bar owner or conductors.(uneducated or criminals).
Monkey Dal gathered together to discuss their own created issues. They have nothing to discuss other than children's plays.
It's funny how these activists say a lie so many times and make it appear like the truth..I'm ashamed to call them hindus..because I have amazing Hindu friends (whom I believe are true hindus). Love jihad? What rubbish!this shows how much you cook up stories. Dont waste money on unnecessary programmes. Donate it to poors..so many are in need of money. Btw don't think muslim men are jobless. there are enough pious muslim girls in our country whom they can get married to. We are not in shortage.
Also need a discussion regarding hiring muslims in all job sectors across karnataka
Tigale gant marilu....bhoomig bhara
Mangalore was peaceful for quite sometime.....now again goons became jobless I hope.... smart city ... developments all gaya bhaad me...
Gaaf me dhum hai to try to stop your girls or punish them...your.people will throw you in garbage.....try that way.....
Discuss right now LOVE JIHAD founder is sitting in front of you (CHOTE MIA)I dont remember his name sitting on your extreme left. Why to spend Money start now itself.
Fake People.
I could not understand why these waste and burden to earth... hate mongers are talking on love jihad time and again whereas such issue does not exist in reality, but exists only in the mind and agenda of sangh parivar. This is to fool people and gain political benefit. Love Jihad is not a concept in any religion, particularly in Muslims and this is a fake + man made concept by sangh parivar. We, the peace loving people of karnataka should oppose and raise against these hate mongers.
After a long period of rest, culprits are back to trouble. Peace loving Mangalorean be careful and be happy with your family.
Indians in india cant eat beef but indian beef can be eaten in other parts of the world....what a joke....
Bajrangies go and stop exporting if you have got ba**s....
Jihad means a spiritual struggle within oneself against Sin.
Prophet Muhammad pbuh. taught us...
Alcohol destroys U and your family life
Gambling destroys U and your family life
Interest destroys U and your family (It may give a temporary enjoyment of the money lend to U by banks but in long term when U see most of the people have become BANKRUPT...
(Look Mallya - Whatever he owns did not benefit him...one day U will c the real color).
Quran says Trade is acceptable but not Riba (Interest).
True Muslims strive hard NOT TO involve in such evils of the society & They strive to stay away from these sins and also other such things in life...
God promises to give more when we follow his commandments ... it is not just for muslims but it should be recognized by the whole of mankind..
Most of the People are just listening to the ISLAM-HATERS and judging without verifying. But the CREATOR of all that exists asks us to use our INTELLECT and Verify before You come to any conclusion of any matter in your LIFE... if not YOU will be regretting later...
Love Jihad is fake and a creation of cheddi and its allies..who wants to spread corruption in the society.
Wonderful decision by wonderful lads of Bajji and Ranjjis, what you mean of \Cow Trafficking\" at present I am in HONG KONG really fantastic INDIAN BEEF Avails here, no problem at all, so these wonderful Tidy Bear??? Master Hamarappa Puranik only Barking, If he IS having GuTs, Strength let him ask Indian Prime minister Modianna, to Cancel Exporting Licence that is the Gentleman's work Keeping some Chelas around catching Labour, Driver, Butcher, Cleaner like humans.. they are catching and punishing that's women's work Annanna, come front line and catch real culprits.
NAREAN Bai where are you Sir?? Are you Near by !!!!! Keep it up Baisabb."
1) U have forgotten most important issue..... ban exporting of beef and find out how many of your goons are into this business....
2) At the right age with out if girls are married off, issues of love marriage maybe solved
3) drugs ok.....go ahead, nice step
For such matters press meet is not necessary, can be discussed within yourself
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