The falling trend in test positivity rate due to lockdown, says Pinarayi Vijayan

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said that the government was taking proactive measures in order to curb the further spread of the contagious infection

Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that due to the lockdown enforced by his government, there was a falling trend in the COVID-19 test positivity rate while the number of cases was also decreasing.

In a series of tweets on his official handle, the CM Pinarayi Vijayan said that the government was taking proactive measures in order to curb the further spread of the contagious infection and that the vaccination was necessary but some precautions need to be followed.

“#Covid19 review committee assessed that cases in Kerala are decreasing yet we are in no position to lower our guard. The falling trend in TPR and number of cases are the result of people’s cooperation to lockdown measures,” the CM Pinarayi said.

Pinarayi added that inoculation alone won’t save one from COVID-19. “It will definitely reduce the risks and maximize chances of recovery,” he added.

In his advice to the people, he said that those who have got vaccinated should follow the same caution as those who haven’t, adding that the patients with co-morbidities shouldn’t miss regular medication.

Meanwhile, a three-member Secretary Level Committee is slated to frame the guidelines and recommendations by July 10 for the implementation of Smart Kitchen, as per the chief minister.

According to him, it aims to account and reduce the workload of women’s domestic labour.

“Our psycho-social support team had contacted 31,520 persons in about 2,18,563 calls during this lockdown. Made 74,087 calls to support the parents of differently abled children and 24,690 calls to guest workers. We’ve also provided mental health support to health workers,” the CM tweeted the figures on Thursday.

According to Pinarayi Vijayan, the cabinet decided that for the next 12 months, each state minister will set aside Rs 10,000 each month for Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).

He also stated that stringent protocols would be in place for the transport of Covid victims’ remains from the point of death to the location where last rites would be performed.