"Three new cases each were reported from Kottayam andKollam districts and one from Kannur district.
As of now, the state has reported 457 patients," he toldreporters after the COVID-19 review meeting.
Two cases each from Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod andone patient from Wayanad were cured in the state on Saturday,he said.
At least 116 patients are currently under treatment forCOVID-19.
"A total of 338 cases have been cured in the state tillnow. We have 21,044 persons under observation now and 464 inisolation wards," Vijayan said.
At least 22,360 samples have been sent from the state fortesting, he added.
The state has reported three COVID-19 deaths so far.
The Chief Minister also said that the districts ofWayanad, Thrissur and Alappuzha currently do not have anyCOVID-19 case.
Vijayan lauded the staff of Kozhikode medical collegefrom where an 84-year-old man, with health complications, wascured recently.
He also said that the centre appreciated Kerala's effortsto contain the pandemic and asked otherstates to consider itsproposed model on accommodating expatriates from COVID-19affected countries when they return.
"Today the Union cabinet secretary held a videoconferencing with the Chief Secretaries and appreciated thestate's efforts in countering the pandemic.
We gave a detailed presentation on how we plan toaccommodate the expats when they return to the state," Vijayansaid.
On easing the lockdown restrictions, chief minister saidthe state would act according to the Centre's orders.
As per the order, all shops coming under the Shops andEstablishments Act will be allowed to function. But themulti-brand, single brand shops will not be allowed.
"The malls will also remain closed," Vijayan said.
He also said that only 50 per cent of staff need to bethere in the establishments that are opened and all necessaryprecautions, including masks and practising social distancingmust be strictly implemented.
"It's difficult to differentiate between a rural andurban area in Kerala as we have a mixed geography. However,all establishments in hotspots will remain closed.Shop owners must take a day or two to clean and disinfect theestablishment and the area before functioning," Vijayan said.
He also said that the private hospitals have startedregular treatments and that doctors, health workers and otherstaff must take necessary precautions.
"Some hospitals are facing difficulties in arrangingspecial treatment centres for COVID-19 patients.We will lookinto it. As of now we need to provide treatment to anyone whoneeds," Vijayan said.
As per the latest medical bulletin, three of the newpatients contracted the disease through their contacts.
One person came from Maharashtra and two came from abroadwhile the third is a health worker.
As of now, 55 positive cases are there in Kannur districtfollowed by Kasaragod with 15 cases, Kozhikode with 12 andPalakkad, six. RRT APRRAVINDRANATH APRRAVINDRANATH