Highest single day spike in Kerala,COVID fresh cases breaches 11K mark

Thiruvananthapuram: In the highest single day surge of COVID-19 cases, Kerala on Saturday reported 11,755 fresh infections and 23 new fatalities

For the first time on Wednesday, the state had breached the 10,000 mark in a single day with10,606 cases. Total caseload has reached to to 2,77,855 and death toll to 978.

"Things are serious as the daily cases are going up. Experts say that the months of October and November are going to be crucial. The test positivity rate has to be kept below 10 and it was done, but now it has gone up." said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

"In our neighbouring states of Karnataka the total tally has crossed 6.66 lakhs, while in Tamil Nadu it is 6.35 lakhs and the total deaths in these states is nearing 10,000,' said Vijayan and said 23 Covid deaths were reported here, taking the total toll to 978" added Vijayan

Vijayan said on Saturday at least 66,228 samples were tested in the last 24 hours and results of 7,570 people have returned negative while 1,82,874 people have been cured till date.

"These are crucial times as the density of population in Karnataka is 319, while in Tamil Nadu it is 555 and none must forget in Kerala it is 889 and hence all have to be very careful and cautious," added Vijayan.

Presently there are 2,80,387 people under observation

"Currently, there are 95,918 people under treatment, while 2,80,387 are under observation in various places including 28,673 in hospitals," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters.

Malappuram accounted for the highest number of patientson Saturday with 1,632 positive cases, followed by Kozhikode with 1,324, and Thiruvananthapuramand Thrissur with 1,310 and 1,208 cases respectively.

Among other districts, Ernakulam reported 1,191 cases while Kollam 1,107.

Alappuzha has 843 cases, Kannur 727, Palakkad 677, Kasaragod 539, Kottayam 523, Pathanamthitta 348, Wayanad 187 and Idukki 139.

Out of the new cases today, 40 reached the state from abroad, 169 from other states while 10,471 contracted the disease through contact, he said.

The sources of 952 people are yet to be identified adding 116 health workers were also among the infected.

(With inputs from PTI and IANS)