10 more COVID-19 cases reported in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 11 () Kerala Saturday reported10 more cases of COVID-19, taking the total number of patientsunder treatment in the state for the deadly virus to 228,Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.
Nineteen people were cured of coronavirus in the state,Vijayan said and shared the "happy news" that a woman who wascured of the infection had a baby through Caesarean section.
"The mother had tested negative. But since her due datewas close, she was at the hospital itself. Both the mother and the child are doing well.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate theparents and the health officials for taking care of them andthe baby," Vijayan said.
Of the 10 new cases, seven were from Kannur, two fromKasaragod and one from Kozhikode and three of them had comefrom abroad while seven were the primary contacts of theaffected persons.
Kasaragod has 123 COVID-19 cases, which is the highest inKerala, followed by neighbouring Kannur with 44.
"A total of 373 people were affected with the virus inthe state and presently 228 are under treatment in varioushospitals.
We have 1,23,490 people under observation in the state.We have also sent 14,163 samples for testing," he said. A 71-year-old coronavirus patient from Mahe, an enclave ofPuducherry, died at a hospital in Kerala on Saturday morning.His final rites were performed at Kannur itself in thepresence of Mahe police.
In Alappuzha, the district administrtation has decided tomake use of houseboats in the backwaters as isolation units inthe event of any emergency.
"We have identified 5,806 beds with attached toilets inAlappuzha from hotels, resorts, hostels and lodges toaccommodate patients, if there is a need, as there are notmany hospitals in the district", an official said.
The Chief Minister also said "sanitiser tunnels" at someplaces have been debunked as "unscientific" by experts andinformation regarding that has been passed on to the DistrictCollectors.
He said strong action would be taken against those whomisuse the essential services, including ambulances.
"There was a report that some people were caught atKozhikode for travelling in an ambulance during the lockdownperiod. The vehicle was seized.
Others had crossed the state borders by walking orriding bikes through or parallel to railway tracks. Suchactions will not be allowed," Vijayan said. RRT UD APRRAVINDRANATH APRRAVINDRANATH