Kerala planning to conduct 2.5L coronavirus tests in two days
What's the story
Kerala has come up with a three-pronged strategy to battle the second wave of coronavirus. The state will now focus on amplifying testing, imposing stringent curbs, and conducting more vaccinations. As a part of this new strategy, Kerala has planned to test 2.5 lakh samples in the next two days. The positivity rate there swelled to 13.45% on Wednesday.
Plans
Politicians and workers to be tested
During the special testing drive, the focus would be given to high-risk categories, like those living in containment zones, those employed in service sectors like tourism, delivery executives, etc. Political leaders and workers, involved in the recent Assembly polls, would also be included. Several mobile RT-PCR testing units would be deployed at hotspots. Districts have been directed to make arrangements for achieving the target.
Meeting
Kerala would go ahead with Class X, XII board exams
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Like other states, Kerala hasn't decided to defer the Class X and XII board examinations. In the meeting, it was suggested that students coming from containment zones shouldn't be refused travel facilities. Just yesterday, CBSE decided to cancel the Class X board exams and postpone that of Class XII.
Functions
Permission needed to hold public functions, limit on attendees levied
Among other decisions to stem the spread of the disease, it was also underlined that prior permission must be taken before holding a public function. The number of attendees for outdoor and indoor events was limited to 150 and 50 respectively. The district administrations have been directed to hold talks with religious leaders about restricting the number of people in festivals and programs.
Malls
Kerala could restrict entry in malls, decision likely soon
Another idea that was discussed in the meeting was restricting entry in the malls. Only those who have tested negative or are vaccinated should be allowed. Vijayan's office claimed a decision on this will be taken after due consideration. On Wednesday, Kerala had reported 8,778 fresh cases. The number of active cases now stands at 58,245, with most of them in home isolation.