Kerala's Covid TPR crosses 30%, active cases above 1 lakh mark

Kerala had previously recorded a TPR of close to 30 per cent during the peak of the second wave in May 2021

The daily Covid test positivity rate (TPR) in Kerala crossed the 30 per cent mark on Sunday.

With 18,123 fresh Covid cases being confirmed during the day, the total active cases also crossed the one lakh mark to reach 1,03,864. However, only four per cent of the total infected individuals required hospitalisation, said government sources.

The state saw an all-time high TPR of 30.5 per cent during the day. It had previously recorded a TPR of close to 30 per cent during the peak of the second wave in May 2021.

Also Read | Tamil Nadu's Test Positivity Rate at an all-time high; Chennai worst-hit

Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam districts of Kerala reported the highest number of cases. Several Covid clusters were also found across the state. The government has already decided to suspend offline classes for students in classes 1-9 from January 21. Restrictions were also imposed on gatherings.

Government sources were ruling out any chances of a total lockdown as the prolonged lockdown during the second wave was met with much criticism and caused severe financial crises too many. A number of businessmen had even ended their lives owing to the financial crisis.

Covid vaccines at school in Kerala

Kerala government has decided to give Covid vaccines to students in the 15-17 age group at schools from Wednesday.

Also Read | 95% of Covid-19 deaths recorded among 50+ age group in Tamil Nadu

Health Minister Veena George said that Covaxin would be given to students. The vaccination will be given only with the consent of parents.

So far over 7.2 lakh students in the 15-17 age groups took the first dose. It comes to over 47 per cent of the total number of students in this age group.

Mammootty Covid positive

Popular actor Mammootty also tested Covid positive. He was having mild symptoms on Saturday and a subsequent test confirmed the infection. He is currently in-home quarantine in Kochi and has no major health issues, said sources.

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