Some people are trying to create unnecessary panic regarding Covid in Kerala: Health Minister

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Monday dismissed reports of Covid spread in the state and termed it an attempt to create panic by “some vested interest elements”.

He said, “Some vested interest elements are trying to spread panic over the spread of Covid. The fact is that the authorities are constantly keeping an eye on things and all things are in place. From November, samples can be immediately sent for testing. Have been.”

George said, “Among the samples sent for testing last month, a sample of a 79-year-old man from the capital district turned out to be positive for the JN1 variant. He was in isolation at home and has recovered and is doing well. “

“Incidentally last month Singapore found 15 people who had traveled from India were positive for JN1 and that means this variant is present in other states, but in Kerala, because of our protocols, we were able to identify it. All our systems are in place and from December 13 to 16, a drill was conducted in 1,192 hospitals across the state to assess the availability of facilities. At present we have 1,957 beds, 2,454 ICU beds and 937 ventilator beds. So There is no need to worry,” the minister said.

The Congress-led opposition criticized the Pinarayi Vijayan government for being busy with statewide travel and doing nothing as the total number of active cases in the country now stands at 1,634, out of 1,828, according to data released by the Center on Sunday. Kerala.

On Sunday, Kerala reported 111 new cases out of the country’s 122. More importantly, one Covid death was also reported in the state.