Sentinel surveillance confirms there's no community spread: Kerala CM

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said the sentinel surveillance in various districts has proved that there is no community spread of Covid-19 in the state. Only four positive cases were reported from among the 5,630 samples sent for tests as part of surveillance among high-risk groups, he said.

Vijayan, however, said people should remain cautious to prevent the spread of the disease through direct contact against the backdrop of rising cases among those returning to the state.

On Tuesday, 12 more persons tested positive for the virus in the state, of whom four came from abroad and eight from other states. Six people had come from Maharashtra and one each from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Kannur (5) recorded the maximum number of cases on the day, followed by Malappuram (3) and one each in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Thrissur and Palakkad.

The total number of cases reported in the state so far went up to 642, of whom 142 are under treatment. As many as 72,000 people are under observation in the state, of whom 455 are admitted to various hospitals.

The chief minister said 44,712 people have reached the state from red zone areas so far. As many as 53 who came from abroad have tested positive while six persons who came by ship were infected. Among those who came through checkposts, 46 have tested positive.

A total of 46,958 samples have been sent for tests, of which 45,527 came negative. Besides, 5,340 samples in sentinel surveillance also came negative.

Vijayan said the lockdown relaxations should not be misused and everyone should take precautions to prevent the virus spread. Police, health and local self government departments should keep track of those coming from outside the state while those under home quarantine should follow the guidelines strictly.