Thiruvananthapuram: COVID-19 has made a concerning return to Kerala, claiming two lives in Thiruvananthapuram over the past week after a period of relative quiet. The deceased, both men over 70 and undergoing treatment for heart conditions, tested positive at the time of death, signaling a potential resurgence of the virus.
Health Minister Veena George confirmed that 76 COVID-related deaths have been recorded in the state so far in 2024. Alarmingly, 182 fresh cases have emerged just this month, with Kottayam reporting 57, Ernakulam 34, and Thiruvananthapuram 30 cases.
In response, the state health department has mandated testing for anyone showing symptoms such as cold, cough, sore throat, or breathing difficulty. A meeting of the State-Level Rapid Response Team (RRT) has been held to evaluate the situation and plan containment strategies.
With infections surging across South-East Asia, the minister has urged the public to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols, including the use of face masks for symptomatic individuals. The return of the virus serves as a reminder that the battle against COVID-19 is far from over.
