Relief for Kerala as 36 more recover from Covid-19 infection

TNN | Updated: Apr 13, 2020, 08:06 IST

Picture for representational purpose only.

KOCHI: It was a day of relief for Kerala on Sunday, with 36 -- including 28 from worst-hit Kasaragod -- recovering from coronavirus (Covid-19) infection and only two fresh cases being reported. The total numbers of cases reported in the state so far went up to 375, of whom 179 persons have been discharged from hospitals.
As many as 194 persons are under treatment now. The fresh cases were reported in Kannur and Pathanamthitta on Sunday, and both of them had returned from the UAE recently. Those who tested negative for the virus on the day also included six persons in Malappuram and one each in Kozhikode and Idukki.
Health minister K K Shailaja said the number of people under observation in the state has also come down further. "As many as 1,16,941 persons are under observation today, of whom 816 are in hospitals. As many as 176 persons were admitted to hospitals today. Among those under home quarantine, the restrictions on 6,549 people were lifted today," she said in a release.
Till date, 14,989 samples from those with symptoms have been sent for tests and the results of 13,802 samples are negative. Kasaragod (97) and Kannur (42) have the most number of patients under treatment.
The state health department has issued revised guidelines for conducting rapid antibody tests. The revised guidelines say the tests would be first conducted among health workers involved in Covid-19 care instead of those under home quarantine as specified earlier.
Unlike earlier years, church visits and get-togethers at relatives' houses were absent this time while empty churches, virtual prayers, live-streaming of holy mass and Facebook live/YouTube speeches of bishops and priests marked the Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Many churches resorted to live-streaming the special prayers.
The day also saw people flocking to mobile phone shops and auto workshops, which were allowed to function, in large numbers across the state, raising questions about safe distance norms.