As COVID-19 cases rise in Kerala, Tamil Nadu govt takes steps to tackle fresh outbreak
COVID-19 cases rise in Kerala: Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in neighboring Kerala and in Singapore, Tamil Nadu’s Health Minister Ma Subramanian on Saturday stated that the government has taken all necessary precautions to tackle a fresh outbreak, if any.
The Minister instructed health department officials to implement measures to control the spread of the virus and advised them to conduct RT-PCR tests in specific areas if there is an increase in fever cases. These directives are in response to the rising infection rates in neighboring Kerala and Singapore.
Tamil Nadu currently has 36 active COVID-19 cases with a discharge rate of 98.94 percent, as of December 15. Among Indian states, Kerala has the highest number of infections with 1,144 cases and a discharge rate of 98.94 percent, according to the available COVID-19 data on the Central government’s website.
Responding to inquiries about the rising trend in the neighboring state, the Minister informed reporters that health officials in Tamil Nadu are in touch with their counterparts in Kerala. They are closely monitoring the situation and staying up to date with the developments. Subramanian mentioned that the infection in Kerala is mild and lasts for three or four days, similar to the situation in Singapore.
Authorities in Kerala have detected a case of the JN.1 subvariant of COVID-19 as part of their ongoing routine surveillance activity conducted by INSACOG. A 79-year-old woman tested positive for the subvariant on November 18 and had recovered after showing mild symptoms of influenza-like illnesses.
Previously, an Indian traveler from Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirapalli district was also detected with the JN.1 subvariant in Singapore. These instances highlight the importance of vigilance and preventive measures.
The increasing trend in COVID-19 cases in Kerala is attributed to the rise in the number of samples from ILI (Influenza-Like Illness) cases being referred for testing. The majority of these cases are clinically mild and patients are recovering at home without the need for hospitalization.
To assess the public health and hospital preparedness measures, the Union Health Ministry is currently conducting a mock drill in all health facilities across the states. This exercise began on December 13 and is being supervised by district collectors, aiming to ensure readiness and effective response to any potential outbreak. The activity is expected to conclude by December 18.
The Union Ministry of Health is in regular contact with the State Department of Health in Kerala and is closely monitoring the various points of entry.
In light of the rising COVID-19 cases in Kerala and Singapore, the Tamil Nadu government is taking proactive steps to prevent the further spread of the virus. By closely monitoring the situation, implementing preventive measures, and coordinating with health officials in neighboring states, Tamil Nadu aims to tackle any potential fresh outbreak effectively.
In this challenging time, it is crucial for all individuals to remain vigilant, follow COVID-19 guidelines, and cooperate with health authorities to control the spread of the virus. With collective efforts and adherence to safety measures, we can mitigate the impact of the current pandemic and protect our communities.
