THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With reports of the new
Coronavirus strain found in the
UK surfacing, the state health department has issued an
alert. A high-level meeting chaired by health minister
K K Shailaja has decided to screen all those who have returned from the
European countries in the last 14 days. They will be monitored by the health authorities on a regular basis.
The quarantine of these people will be strictly monitored and the people who have come into contacts with them will also be screened. All district medical officers have been asked to strictly monitor those who have arrived from such countries in the last two weeks.
The minister said as per the reports, the new strain of the
virus is even more dangerous than the present one and it can create severe complications even among healthy persons. Hence, the people will have to be more cautious now. The reports are that this new strain has the capacity for a rapid spread then the present virus. The health department has also decided to intensify the screening of the passengers at the airports and special kiosks will be set up for this. Those coming from the European countries will be screened separately at these kiosks.
The minister has urged the district health authorities to have a special monitoring on the senior citizens and the people who are living with comorbidities. “It is a matter of concern that there is already a threat of increase in the number of cases after the
local body elections. Now, the reports on the new strain of the virus has given more concerns. Hence, we will have to be more cautious now,” Shailaja said in the meeting.