Covid-19; reported 9 new cases in Kerala 

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that 9 new coronavirus positive cases have been confirmed in Kerala. He was speaking to the media after the coronavirus evaluation meeting here.

The CM started his press conference by speaking about the importance of World Health Day. He reminded of the importance of the service provided by nurses and midwives and the problems faced by them during the coronavirus pandemic.

Out of the 9 positive cases confirmed on Tuesday, 4 are from Kasaragod, 3 are from Kannur, while one each is from Kollam and Malappuram districts. Out of the 9 new cases, 4 had returned from abroad while 2 were attendees of Tablighi Jamaat congregation at Nizamuddin in New Delhi. 3 developed the disease through contact.

12 persons tested negative on Tuesday. Among them 5 are from Kannur, 4 are from Ernakulam while one each is from Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Kasaragod districts.

Till date 336 people in Kerala have been infected by COVID-19 and 263 are under treatment at various hospitals. As on Tuesday, 1,46,686 persons are under observation in the state. Among this 1,45,934 are at houses and 752 at hospitals.

On Tuesday alone, 131 persons were admitted to hospitals. So far 11,232 samples have been sent for testing out of which 10,250 have turned negative, CM added.

The special committee report on restrictions to be imposed after the end of lockdown will be sent to the central government, the CM said.

Pinarayi Vijayan noted that there was a decrease in the number of goods trucks entering the state. He added that efforts are on to increase the number of trucks carrying essential items to the state.

The CM clarified that the state has enough stock of food grains and added that the government has decided to increase the stock considering the coming months.