State will remain hunger-free during lockdown, says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the government has ensured that the people will remain hunger-free during the lockdown period. For this, all Janakeeya Hotels run by Kudumbashree will be ensuring food for the needy. In those places where there are no such hotels, local bodies have been directed to begin community kitchens, he added.
Local bodies and the police will ensure that food packets are distributed at homes for the needy. Hotels in the state can function during lockdown but no dine-in will be allowed. But, parcels can be provided.
The kit of essential commodities will be distributed this month also through ration shops from next week. Such kits will also be provided to guest workers.
The chief minister said it is not possible to provide vaccines for all persons aged between 18 and 45 years. Hence it has been decided to give priority for those people who are living with comorbidities in this age-group. Though we have demanded one crore vaccines from the manufacturers, we have not received a favourable response. They have promised only a limited stock initially, he added.
Already a surge plan has been readied by the health department to meet any eventuality. At present, we have a ventilator facility of 2293 which was initially 995. The number of ICU beds have increased to 2,857 from 1,800. Steps have been taken to ensure oxygen stock, he added.
At present, Kerala has 6,008 oxygen cylinders and 21,888 B-type cylinders. There is also 220.09 metric tonne of liquid oxygen in stock.
There is a facility for storage of liquid oxygen in eight medical college hospitals.