Kerala tightens lockdown witnessing increase in Covid-19 TPR

The TPR is above 10 per cent in 11 districts and Malappuram has the highest with 17 per cent.

On Friday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced tightening of restrictions in the state as it witnessed an increase in Covid-19 Test Positivity Rate (TPR). The state recorded 12.1 per cent TPR for the past three days. It has been recorded above 10 per cent in 11 districts and Malappuram has the highest with 17 per cent.

According to the statement, Chief Minister said," In the Context of the Covid-19 spread, Central and the State Government officials, Public Sector undertaking, companies, Commissions and corporations office in Category A and B local bodies can function with up to 50 per cent staff and up to 25 per cent in category C areas." He added for category D only essential services will take place in the area where the TPR rate is above 15 per cent whereas the remaining 50 per cent of staff in A and B categories and 75 per cent in C should be involved in Covid-19 mitigation activities.

While addressing the media, the Chief Minister said, "Areas with a High Prevalence of the disease are considered clusters. At the same time, a micro containment system will be introduced. "

Concerning the third wave of Covid-19 which is going to impact the young age group, the CM said, "At least 60 per cent of the population in the community needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity to the disease. A third wave is unlikely to occur if herd immunity is achieved to the required level by strictly following the Covid-19 protocol." He also said the third wave will not occur naturally. " It is caused by the flaws in Covid-19 control and failure in vaccine supply. "

Meanwhile, on Friday the state recorded 17,518 new Covid-19 cases and a TPR of 16.3 per cent. Whereas 1,77,09,529 people have been vaccinated and 1,24,64,589  people.have received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine whereas 52,44,940 have been administered with both doses of the Covid-19 vaccination.