Kerala to test 2.5 lakh people for COVID-19 on April 16, 17

Kerala government has tightened restrictions as the second Covid wave in the state has intensified. The government has decided to test 2.5 lakh people on April 16 and 17.

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): The Kerala government on Thursday decided to test 2.5 lakh people for COVID-19 in the state on April 16 and 17.

The decision was taken at a high-level COVID-19 review meeting called by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in wake of the rising number of COVID cases in the state.

The chief minister said the government intends to curb the spread of Coronavirus infection at three levels--extensive testing, strict control and intensive vaccination.

"Facilities for extensive testing have been provided in all the districts. The district authorities have to complete the target set for them. All those who actively participated in the election process will be tested," he said.

Others in the priority group for testing include front line workers, who live in areas where COVID is spreading rapidly, those who work in the public transport sector, hospitality, tourism sector, shops, hotels, markets and service centres where they interact with many people, and delivery executives.

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"Mobile RT-PCR testing units will be used in markets and areas where cases are high," he said.

The Kerala government also announced that prior permission must be obtained to hold public functions, including weddings and housewarmings. The number of people who could attend indoor events was limited to 75 people and 150 for outdoor events.

"The district administration has been asked to make sure people maintain social distance. Tuition centres will be monitored," Vijayan said.

Read:Corona patient who was declared dead twice, still lives

Health Minister KK Shailaja, Chief Secretary VP Joy, state police chief Lokanath Behera, department secretaries, senior police officials, district collectors, district police chiefs and district medical officers attended the meeting.

Vijayan, who tested positive for COVID-19 on April 8, was discharged from the Government Medical College at Kozhikode on Wednesday.

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Kerala reported 8,778 new COVID-19 cases, 2,642 recoveries and 26 deaths on Wednesday.

ANI