PremiumKerala on Saturday reported as many as 26,685 new COVID19 cases pushing the active tally to 1,98,576. Meanwhile, the death toll reached 5,080 as 25 people succumbed to the deadly virus in the span of 24 hours, the health bulletin said.
Today's numbers are however lower than yesterday's count of 28,447 fresh cases, which was the highest one-day spike for the state. On Friday, the state reported 27 related fatalities.
Premium Premium 
Premium Premium As many as 7,067 people have been cured of the infection and the total recoveries have touched 11,73,202.
Presently, 1,98,576 people are undergoing treatment for the infection. In the last 24 hours, 1,31,155 samples were tested and the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) shot up to 20.35 per cent.
So far, 1,49,89,949 samples have been tested, a government press release said.
Kozhikode accounted for 3,767 cases, the highest today, followed by Ernakulam 3,320.Malappuram, Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam recorded over 2,000 cases.
Amid the explosive rise in the number of cases, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed the situation was grim, and likened it to a volcano which can erupt any moment.
"We are sitting on a volcano which can explode any moment. People should understand the situation and take adequate precaution to protect themselves," Vijayan told reporters.
However, he assured that there is no shortage of oxygen as of now and there was no need for any anxiety. Vijayan said, "all steps should be taken to ensure that the ICUs and ventilators are fully functional and there are enough hospital beds."
Meanwhile, to tackle the sudden surge in coronavirus cases, the state has imposed restrictions similar to lockdown for the weekend. The government has also said that stern action would be taken against those who venture out unnecessarily on weekends. However, essential services are exempted.
DIG K Sanjay Kumar Gurudin, who heads the Covid special surveillance team, had notified, "Those engaged in essential services and emergency activities can travel after showing their ID cards. The marriages, decided earlier, can take place by strictly following the COVID-19 health protocol."
"Only those stores which sell provisions, vegetables, fruits fish and meat will function. Dining at restaurants will not be permitted but parcel is allowed till 9 PM," he said.
Long-distance train services would not be affected. Public and goods transport would be permitted, the police officer said.
(With inputs from agencies)
Click here to read the Mint ePaperMint is now on Telegram. Join Mint channel in your Telegram and stay updated with the latest business news.
