Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala reported highest single day recoveries of 4476 COVID patients on Saturday. 7,834 new COVID19 cases reported even as the assembly of more than five persons was banned till October 31 in the state.
Twenty two deaths were confirmed due to Covid, taking the toll to 813. The deceased were aged between 47 and 78.
On Saturday ,54,563 samples were tested, of which 7,834 were positive. On Friday, 63,175 samples was tested, of which 9,258 were positive. So far, 31,04,878 samples have been sent for testing.
Health Minister KK Shailaja said a total of 1,39,620 people have been cured so far in Kerala.
As many as 6,850 people were infected through contact, 49 had come from abroad and 187 from other states, she said.
Ninety five health workers were among those whose samples tested positive today-- 24 from Thiruvananthapuram and 23 from Kannur.
Presently, 80,818 people are undergoing treatment for COVID-19 in the state.
"Samples of 4,476 people returned negative today, the highest recoveries on a single day so far. Thiruvananthapuram district recorded a high of 1,049 new cases, while three districts-- Malappuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode -- accounted for over 900 cases today, the minister said.
Across the state, 2,51,286 persons are under observation at various places, including 31,068 in hospitals.
Kerala has 724 hotspots.Thirty two new hot spots were added today while 12 areas have been removed from the list.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the government had no other option but to enforce strict Covid-19 norms and hence assembly of more than 5 persons has been banned from Saturday till October 31.
"If people are allowed to go into shops, then use of gloves is a must. It will be the responsibility of the shop owners to ensure that Covid protocols are followed. If not, strict action will be taken; fines will go up if masks are not worn," said Vijayan.
On Friday, the state's Covid count had crossed the 9,000 mark for the first time.
(With inputs from agencies)