THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Covid-19 situation in the state is showing no signs of abating. Going by reports from the Centre and last week’s caseload, it has become a matter of concern.
There was a 15% jump in number of new cases in the state last week when compared to previous weeks. Moreover, test positivity rate (TPR) also increased in all districts over the same period.
According to sources, the Centre has relayed its concern about the situation to the state government. It is especially worried about the fact that the higher number of cases has not resulted in a corresponding increase in testing.
As per the report of the state health department, caseload in the January 18-24 week was 42,430. This was 36,700 in the week from January 11 to 17, and 35,296 between January 4 and 10.
The absolute number of new cases jumped in all districts last week. The increase was most in Kannur (40%), Thiruvananthapuram (33%), Wayanad (34%), Kollam (31%) and Kottayam (25%).
Kannur, Kollam, Ernakulam, Kasaragod, Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur reported the highest jump in TPR last week. Wayand topped the list with a TPR of 14.8% followed by Kottayam (14.1%), Pathanamthitta (13.7%), Ernakulam (12.5%), Kozhikode
(11.4%), Idukki (11.3%), Kollam and Malappuram (11% each), Alappuzha (10.5%) and Kannur (10.2%). The highest caseload was reported in Ernakulam (6,129). It was followed by Kottayam (4,504), Kozhikode (4,326), Kollam (3,966), Mallapuram (3,401), Pathanamthitta (3,374) and Thrissur (3,015).