Kottayam has recorded the highest number with 82 cases, followed by Thiruvananthapuram (73), Ernakulam (49), Pathanamthitta (30), and Thrissur (26).
Published May 23, 2025 | 10:47 PM ⚊ Updated May 23, 2025 | 10:47 PM
Masks are mandatory for healthcare workers and in all hospital settings.
Synopsis: Kerala has stepped up disease surveillance and epidemic prevention amid a surge in Covid-19 cases and the onset of monsoon. Health Minister Veena George has directed all districts to strengthen monitoring, after the state reported 273 cases in May. The move comes as infections surge across Southeast Asia, including in Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong.
Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George has directed all districts across the state to intensify disease surveillance and epidemic prevention measures in response to the onsent of monsoon and the recent rise in Covid-19 cases both with the state and across Southeast Asia.
The directive was issued on Friday, 23 May, during a meeting chaired by the minister with District Medical Officers (DMOs) and District Surveillance Officers (DSOs).
On Thursday, Kerala’s Health Department had issued an advisory, warning of a possible spike due to the fast-spreading JN.1 Omicron sub-variants.
According to the state health department, Kerala has reported 273 Covid-19 cases in May alone.
Kottayam has recorded the highest number with 82 cases, followed by Thiruvananthapuram (73), Ernakulam (49), Pathanamthitta (30), and Thrissur (26).
The health department warned of the potential spread of the JN.1 variant of the virus and its sub-variants LF.7 and NB1.8, which are currently circulating in several countries.
While these variants are known to spread more easily, their severity remains low.
“Districts should closely monitor any rise in cases and coordinate their activities accordingly,” the minister said.
“Self-prevention measures like wearing masks in public spaces, especially for the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses, remain crucial.”
She emphasised the importance of timely case reporting and coordinated field-level action to prevent potential outbreaks.
People showing symptoms such as cold, sore throat, cough, and breathing difficulty have been urged to wear masks and avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals.
Mask-wearing is mandatory for healthcare workers and in all hospital settings.
The minister reiterated the importance of hand hygiene and strict adherence to Covid-19 treatment protocols across hospitals. She also cautioned against referring patients to private hospitals claiming exclusive Covid care.
The move comes amid a surge in Covid-19 cases across Asia, particularly in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and China.
In Singapore, weekly infections surged to 14,200 as of 3 May, with hospitalisations rising by around 30 percent.
The dominant variants in circulation are LF.7 and NB1.8, both part of the JN.1 lineage.
Thailand reported a spike in cases following the Songkran festival in April, including two major cluster outbreaks. However, authorities have not introduced movement restrictions.
In Hong Kong, positivity rates for respiratory samples rose from 1.7 percent in March to 11.4 percent. A total of 81 infections and 30 deaths have been reported, mostly among older adults with pre-existing conditions.
In China, cases have doubled in recent weeks and are approaching levels seen during last summer’s peak, according to the country’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
