Kerala Health Minister denies Covid deaths in state amid rising infections

Health Minister Veena George said that the people who died had other serious diseases and no one died due to Covid-19.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Tuesday said that some people are trying to create "unnecessary fear" in the public by spreading rumours that there are more cases of Covid-19 cases in the state.

"The people who died had other serious diseases. No one has died due to Covid-19. They were admitted to the hospital with other serious diseases," the health minister said.

She added, "Due to the excellence of Kerala's health system, things are always found out correctly. It should not be misinterpreted as the spread of disease and should not affect people's lives. Elderly and seriously ill people should take precautions to prevent Covid-19."

The Health Minister's statement comes after a slight increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in November. The health department issued a warning and carried out preparatory work.

During a ministerial meeting, it was decided to send samples for whole genome sequencing. Samples have been sent for whole genomic testing since November.

According to George, Omicron sub-variant JN.1 was found in only one sample. It was found inside a 79-year-old person from Thiruvananthapuram's Karakulam. The person recovered from Covid-19 after home treatment, the minister said.

She further said, "At the same time, Singapore has found JN.1 in 15 people who went to Singapore from India in the past months. It means that this coronavirus variant is also present in other states of India. It is unique that it was found through testing in Kerala. It was discovered due to the excellence of the systems in Kerala and due to their vigilance."

According to the Health Minister, the Health Department had carried out proper preparatory activities in this regard.

"From the beginning, we are checking whether the use of ICU beds and ventilators is increasing. The situation is monitored even now," the minister said.

"We are reviewing and ensuring the availability of isolation wards, rooms, oxygen beds, ICU beds and ventilators in hospitals. From December 13 to 16, at least 1,192 government and private hospitals conducted an online mock drill to ensure their availability, adding, 1,957 beds with oxygen facilities, 2,454 ICU beds and 937 ICU beds with ventilator facilities have been arranged", the minister added.

Published By:
Ashmita Saha
Published On:
Dec 19, 2023