Kerala reports record 211 corona cases

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said that 211 more coronavirus cases - the highest ever registered in a single day - were recorded in the southern state.

"Of the new cases, 138 are returnees from abroad, 39 returness from within the country, 27 local infectees, six CISF personnel, and one air cabin crew," said Vijayan.

"... besides cities, villages are also now reporting positive patients. So far, 4,961 cases were detected, including 2,098 positive cases at present. As many as 1,77,011 persons are in isolation, including 2,894 in various hospitals," the Chief Minister said.

Vijayan expressed concern over social discrimination against corona patients.

"In Kottayam, we had a case wherein a family who arrived from Bengaluru was looked down upon by even other family members, not to mention others. They had undergone isolation, but were still not able to get back to their own house. No one should view people put in isolation as untouchables. It will not be accepted, and it is against our culture."

Vijayan said that there are now 130 corona hotspots in the state.

"With the corona numbers going up, more restrictions will be in place. Entry to the state Secretariat will be restricted, so would the case be with other government offices. Work from home also would have to continue," added Vijayan.

He said that schoolchildren numbering around 25 lakh in the state will be given food kits shortly.