Covid-19 Surge in Kerala: Health Minister Urges Special Care for Elderly, Emphasizes Mask Use

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: With a noticeable rise in Covid-19 cases across Kerala, Health Minister Veena George has urged the public to exercise heightened caution, particularly when it comes to the elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions, as they remain most vulnerable to severe illness.

In a statement, the minister confirmed that the dominant circulating variants in Kerala are the Omicron JN.1 sub-lineages LF.7 and XFG, which, though not highly severe, pose a significant risk of rapid transmission.

“Masks should be worn in public places and while travelling. Although these variants are not as severe, their high transmissibility calls for strict preventive measures,” said Veena George. “Genomic sequencing is actively being conducted to monitor the spread and mutation of the virus.”

Rising Case Numbers and Regional Breakdown

As of the latest update, Kerala has 2,223 active Covid-19 cases, with 96 individuals undergoing treatment, many of whom have coexisting medical conditions. The districts with the highest caseloads are:

• Ernakulam – 431 cases
• Kottayam – 426 cases
• Thiruvananthapuram – 365 cases

Hospitals have been directed to prioritize testing for individuals showing symptoms such as cold, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath. All medical institutions must ensure the availability of oxygen, and avoid unnecessary referrals to private hospitals.

Preventive Measures and Public Health Guidelines

Minister George emphasized the importance of continuing basic Covid-19 precautions:

• Wearing masks in public areas and mandatorily in hospitals
• Avoiding non-essential visits to healthcare facilities
• Frequent hand hygiene using soap or sanitiser

She recently chaired a meeting with the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to assess the preparedness of the state’s health infrastructure and monitor the evolving situation.

National Context and Variant Surveillance

Across India, 6,815 active Covid-19 cases have been reported. According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), 163 cases of the XFG variant have been detected nationwide.

Former ICMR Director General Dr. Balram Bhargava noted that the emergence of such variants is part of the natural evolution of the virus. He assured that India is well-equipped to detect and respond swiftly, thanks to tools like the Truenat molecular diagnostic platform.