Kerala has imposed a night curfew in order to limit the spread of COVID-19

Starting Monday, a night curfew will be implemented in Kerala in an attempt to manage the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the state, which accounts for more than half of the total caseload in the country. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced in his evening press conference on Saturday that a review meeting had decided to implement a curfew between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. in regions where the weekly infection population ratio is greater than 7%. He also reacted angrily to criticism and claims of mismanagement during the pandemic, pointing out that the state’s Case Fatality Rate was far lower than the national average. In contrast to the previous scenario in other areas of the country, CM Pinarayi stated that no one in Kerala had died due to a lack of oxygen or battled to acquire a hospital bed.

Due to the Assembly sessions earlier this month, the Chief Minister’s legendary press conferences on COVID-19 have not been held in almost a month. However, long after the Assembly, there was still no news conference for a while, prompting queries about why the Chief Minister was not addressing the media while the pandemic situation in the state worsened. The Opposition Congress and the BJP have been criticizing the Left government for the increasing number of cases and demanding that the Chief Minister break his silence, as the daily cases have surpassed 30,000 for the last four days.

Pinarayi Vijayan claimed that certain groups were attempting to discredit the state and that people had witnessed a truth that could not be erased.

“There were no deaths or hospitalizations in the state as a result of a lack of oxygen. No one had to stand in line in front of crematoriums with the body of a loved one. People in this area were not in a position to dispose of the bodies in rivers. Whatever they say, the people have seen the truth… and it cannot be undone. It was due to the fact that we, the people, battled together “He stated.

He also responded to Opposition leader VD Satheesan’s claim that officials “hijacked” the COVID-19 management in the state, saying that all officials, beginning with COVID-19 volunteers at the grassroots level, are fighting the pandemic. “Not only officials, but also frontline workers, people’s representatives at the local level, volunteers, and others are fighting the pandemic. The government and its officials are not different entities, but rather collaborate. It is regrettable that such statements are being made “According to the Chief Minister.

In explaining the COVID-19 situation in the state, CM Pinarayi stated that the government’s primary goal was to preserve the lives of as many people as possible during this pandemic.

“During a pandemic, the goal is always to save as many lives as possible. Kerala has a high population density, a high number of persons with lifestyle diseases, a high number of elderly people, and other conditions that may result in a high fatality rate. However, according to reports, the CFR in this area is 0.51 percent, whereas the national average is 0.33 percent “It’s 1.34 percent,” the CM remarked.
He further stated that over two crore individuals in Kerala have received the first dose of vaccine and expressed hope that all those above the age of 18 will be immunized by September.

“In the state, a total of 2,77,99,126 persons received immunizations, including 2,03,90,751 with the first dosage and 74,08,375 with the second dose. This means that 57.60% of the population received the first dose and 20.93% received the second dose “The second dose,” claimed CM Pinarayi.

He also stated that the health department has made the necessary preparations for the impending third wave. “The number of oxygen beds, intensive care units, and ventilators in hospitals has been expanded from the taluk level. The state’s pediatric wings have been enhanced. In addition, 750 additional beds, including 490 with oxygen facilities, have been set aside for youngsters in the state “He stated.

On Saturday, Kerala recorded 31,265 COVID-19 cases and 153 deaths, with a rest positive rate of 18.67 percent. On Saturday, the number of new COVID-19 cases in the state surpassed 30,000 for the fourth day in a row. Since July 27, when the state lifted limits for a few days due to two festivals, the state has logged more than or close to 20,000 incidents practically every day.