Just 1 new case, seven recoveries

TNN | Apr 16, 2020, 04:15 IST

Thiruvananthapuram: In Kerala, only one Covid-19 case (Kannur) was reported on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases to 387. At the same time, seven more people tested negative for the virus.
Among the positive cases, 264 came from other nations/states. Eight were foreigners and 114 persons contracted the disease due to direct contact with patients, said chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
As of now 218 patients have recovered and Kerala has the highest recovery rate in the country. At present, 167 people are undergoing treatment in various hospitals, he added.
As many as 97,464 persons are under observation, of which 522 are admitted in designated isolation wards of various hospitals. So far 16,745 samples were sent for testing and 16,002 tested negative.
On Tuesday (April 14), eight new cases were reported in state; four in Kannur, three in Kozhikode and one in Kasaragod. Among them, five came from Dubai and the rest got the infection from direct contact with patients.
Meanwhile, 13 patients recovered on Tuesday. Six were from Kasaragod, two each from Ernakulam and Palakkad and one each from Kollam, Thrissur and Malappuram.
Addressing the media after review meeting, the chief minister said that in all districts, special facilities have been made available for cancer patients. Due to restrictions imposed, these patients are unable to travel to regional cancer centre.
Since the cancer patients have low immunity, Covid-19 might result in serious health issues. Hence a decision was taken to ensure their treatment in district and general hospitals.
In 21 state hospitals, there will be facilities for the cancer treatment and health records of patients, undergoing treatment at RCC, will be made available at these hospitals. There will be tele-conferencing facility for doctors at these hospitals to have discussion with specialists at RCC. Chemotherapy, follow-up treatment and palliative care facilities will be made available at these hospitals. Kerala Medical Services Corporation will supply necessary drugs to these hospitals, said health minister KK Shailaja.
Meanwhile, a 25-member medical team from Kottayam MCH left for Kasaragod to help healthcare workers. Already a 26-member team from Thiruvananthapuram MCH is already serving Kasaragod MCH.