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
You can do nothing. Because your countdown has already started.
Any harsh step towards Hindus living in UAE may impose long-term hazard on Indian muslims... therefore think twice before taking any foolish action. Don't think RSS is just a group of robe wearing sadhus. Their reach is beyond your imagination. Jai Hind.
Terror attacks of RSS:-
1- 1999 killing of Graham Staines
2- 2002 Gujarat riots
3- 2007 Samjhauta Express bombings
4- 2007 Ajmer Dargah attack
5- 2008 Malegaon blasts
6- 2007 Mecca Masjid bombing
Saffron terror is a neologism used to describe acts of violence motivated by Hindu nationalism. The acts are allegedly perpetrated by members, or alleged members, of Hindu nationalist organizations close to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Abhinav Bharat.
RSS is an anti national, saffaron terrorist organisation. Many are convicted for bombings and killings in various part of India. They even do hate speech in public. As the majority of north indians are illiterate, they will fall for rss ideology. They will make believe these illiterate people. As the south indian people are literate, rss lacks ground support in southern states of india, where the economy is far better than rest of india.
RSS never do fund collections from any comapnies or sympathizers. Do you anything about RSS?
RSS has strong base in UAE. I know many people who are working for RSS. Govt. is aware of this fact but a little bit tolerant because RSS respects local laws, rules & traditions. No harm to UAE integrity, law & order.
RSS Businessmen already in key position in gulf countries and hindus forms a substantial poulationin gulf countries will soon take over gulf countries and arab sheiks will ride camels..Jai hind
Mr. Kamath, remember one thing that each drop of water will make big ocean....we as muslims, small percentage in India, will do our level best to see these RSS supporters to perish....
UAE Indian expatriates take initiate and teach lesson for this companies. They hire only RSS trained persons and funding who against Muslims. So, every person should take initiate and there is many alternatives. \hani hani goodidare halla\".
Spread even around Emirati who understand."
People have power if they wish by not supporting RSS and boycotting those who fund them.
NO WORRY, Truth will prevail ,and evil will perish soon.
always do good to all
Sorry NMC me going to GMC or thumbay hospital in sha Allah if needed and UAE exchange me n my relatives are opting al ansari or al razouki exchange.They also give best draft rates. Sorry by funding or approaching rss thugs u r putting axe on ur own knees in shaAllah. May Allah perish you.
my dear rss friends dont come here you will have to eat beef with other your friends because all of your friends eat beef in cafeteriai in uae
Now y do u need rich gulf countries Muslims Money!!! No objection now?
There is no POWER nor MIGHT except with ALLAH....
Whatever ways ISLAM haters try to plan... Muslims know very well they will never succeed playing with the followers of Divine religion (ISLAM).
They did lot of deceptions & FOOLED many. But their Evil deeds were caught & exposed, but Most of the people are still sleeping to their deception.
Dear RSS Cadres...
LEARN ISLAM independently not from cheddis.. Dont fall trap to RSS defined islam which is deception to make you follow your leaders to HELL if U dont recognize the REAL TRUE GOD who created U, ME and all those existed.
Good luck for you new plans, which U will be able to deceive many of your Unthinking followers. and WE Muslims know, ALLAH is most merciful... and he can spare U & allow YOU to play this GAME. But YOU will never succeed to overcome or wipe ISLAM. Its a Challenge many ISLAM haters tried and LOST. RSS your fate will be the SAME. Dont play with the Divine religion ISLAM.
Dream only, RSS cannot do anything Dubai. Dubai is Islamic country.
RSS men and Sadwi's were involved in many bomb blast in India.
RSS was the main organization behind demolition of Babri Masjid
RSS was the main organization behind every riots in India
RSS was the main organization who organized Gujrat carnage and killed around 2000 innocent Indians.
RSS was the main organization which is organized riots in Muzafferabad and killed many muslims.
RSS was the main organization is funding it's goonda outfits like Bhajrang Dal , ABVP etc.
there are many many incidents we can make here about RSS which is dead against of Minorities in India.
So UAE Indians should ban it's funding hand from this gulf countries by banning their business places.
I swear I never ever go to RSS backed banks any more. I promise.
Can you all Promise??????
RSS and ISIS are same, they both got same idea of dividing people...dangerous for human kind....both are being taken care of by Zionists.....tooooooo dangerous.....
Earned name,fame and richness from Muslim countries and funding for the anti Muslim organisations. What a ungratefulness.
All knew about these tycoons.
ZEE aflan tv channel was the first step to enter Middle east to sympathize RSS through bollywood movies, Bhajan and RSS imposed hindu culture. Now they openly enter by strong hold business and money. They will ruin some if UAE not act immediately.
Mr.Nishan,RSS member cannot do the mosad work becouse RSS member's are waring chaddi.
but one thing they are using money from gulf country to killing innocent musslims also a bank giving all commison to RSS i came to know from one of hindu friend working here in kuwait.
So it means they need Funds from Muslims countries, how pathetic, How can you take money from Tycoon's who are beneficiaries of Muslims in Gulf countries and earned their money from this community, Please try some other source!!
All middle East countries should ban those companies which funding terror organisation RSS have link with it. In Saudi Arabia, also some companies funding RSS
Islamic state may take help from RSS since IS is creation of Israel.
Alarm for UAE authority and other Middle eastern countries.
Hope Indian expatriate and Human rights will take this issue up to UAE authority before too late.
R.S.S Outfit engaged several Terrorist activities against Muslims, hence Indian Muslims considered R.S.S is Terrorist Organization. The Muslim organizations around Gulf regions should come forward and chal out plant to finish /pull out R.S.S functionaries from Gulf region. Also Organizations must take necessary steps to educate Rulers, Government authorities and Gulf countries citizens about the hidden agenda of R.S.S and its ally with ISRAEL.
Israel using RSS cadres to spy Gulf countries since Mossad cannot enter GCC. It's decision by Israel and RSS acting accordingly.
RSS go at any level to disturb Middle East peace and killing Muslims.
Middle east authorities must act before too late.
Most of RSS cadres trained by Mossad and frequently visiting Israel through other passport.
BR Shetty is a great patriot and philanthropist.
CD is unleashing a series of articles to create :awareness\ against RSS. but no publicity is bad publicity. U cnnot do any harm to mighty RSS"
Would like to see if they can do a \path sanchalan\" in cheddies and swords on Dubai streets."
Whatever you do, you cannot move an inch without the almighty's permission. HE is the best planner.
In Dubai, everything is possible.
Preaching man made religion - what does benefit.
Compare how many people accepted Hinduism V/s how many Hindus accepted Islam and Christianity.
Analyze the truth.
Exert whatever your efforts, truth will not fail, God's religion has to reign.
I heard that the commissions paid to UAE exchange goes directly RSS account. please use Alrajhi bank to send your money...
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