Kerala successful in reducing COVID mortality rate: Chief Minister

Our Correspondent

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the State was successful in containing the number of deaths due to COVID-19. He also said that the government’s efforts were to delay the outbreak of the pandemic from peaking and the government used the time gained in the process to strengthen the medical and health infrastructure facilities in the State.

Briefing the media, the Chief Minister said, “The COVID related death rate in Kerala was low as the Government had a scientific approach to reducing mortality among COVID patients. From a 0.77% mortality rate in May, the decline was gradual (June 0.45%, August 0.4% and September 0.38%) as it came down to 0.28% in October (till date). It is a proud achievement that we were able to bring down the mortality rate even at this stage when the numbers of new cases are high. This is the reason why our health sector has got several accolades at an international level.”

Kerala was the first place in the country to develop a COVID protocol. Social distancing and public awareness were started here before anyone else. Kerala was the first to implement a state-wide lockdown in the country.

The Chief Minister said that the COVID situation in the State was under control during and after the Onam festive season as a strict vigil was enforced during that time. “Our COVID preventive measures were a success but the massive protests across the State by an irresponsible opposition derailed the efforts of the government.”

The Chief Minister also said that the recent comments the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan should not be taken as a criticism of the efforts of the State in COVID management.