Ernakulam stares at a health system collapse as Covid cases mount
Ernakulam reports 25,705 new Covid cases in one week, TPR above 20%; hospital running out of beds
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Swab collection going on in full swing at Government Maharajas Taluk Hospital in Karuvelipady on Monday | Arun Angela
Express News Service
KOCHI: More than 25,000 cases in a week, test positivity rate of above 20 per cent and the highest active patient count in the state. Ernakulam is truly in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic. And experts warn that if the district continues to report over 4,500 cases a day at a stretch, the entire health system may collapse. In a week, Ernakulam reported 25,705 new Covid cases. Across the district, which houses some of the major healthcare facilities in the state, hospital beds are filling up fast.
Express News Service
KOCHI: Even as the state government has gone in for mass testing as the strategy to deal with the Covid crisis, the delay in providing results of the tests has become a major cause of worry. On account of the delay, those awaiting the results have grown more anxious. Vijayan R of Kozhikode, who had given his samples at a private lab for RT-PCR test on April 15, is yet to get the results. Vijayan, who got himself tested after his brother was confirmed with Covid, spends his days anxiously.
“Till now, I have not got any intimation from the authorities regarding the status of the tests. Even if we were to call them up, they say that if the result were positive, they will let us know. Why should anyone without symptoms get himself/herself tested, if he/she were to spend the rest of the days in uncertainty and anxiety?” he said.
Frequent travellers rue ‘costly’ RT-PCR mandate
Say at I1,700, test costs highest in Kerala, seek exemption from testing for those who have taken at least first dose of vaccination
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People queueing up outside Jimmy George Indoor Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram to get the token for Covid vaccination. | Vincent Pulickal
Express News Service
KOCHI: The government’s move to make RT-PCR testing mandatory for all domestic travellers entering Kerala has come as an inconvenience to those who have to move in and out of the state frequently. Specifically, it is the cost – Rs 1,700 per RT-PCR test – that is proving to be an unaffordable proposition and a major hassle for them. The test of the cost is higher in Kerala than several other states, including Karnataka (Rs 800) and Maharashtra and Telangana (Rs 500 each).
COVID-19: Frequent travellers rue ‘costly’ RT-PCR mandate as new restrictions kick in Kerala
Say at I1,700, test costs highest in Kerala, seek exemption from testing for those who have taken at least first dose of vaccination.
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People queueing up outside Jimmy George Indoor Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram to get the token for Covid vaccination. (Photo | Vincent Pulickal/EPS)
Express News Service
KOCHI: The government’s move to make RT-PCR testing mandatory for all domestic travellers entering Kerala has come as an inconvenience to those who have to move in and out of the state frequently.
Express News Service
KOCHI: Acute shortage of vaccine doses across the state has resulted in the mass vaccination drive being suspended in various districts. Ambitious plans by the state government to vaccinate all above 45 years of age have been put on hold till new batches of vaccines arrive. In the wake of the shortage, experts have opined that those who recovered from Covid-19 infection in recent times need not rush to take the vaccination, as their immune systems would have already acquired antibodies. Further, in such cases, the second dose of vaccination can also be delayed, as it would be more beneficial for those who are yet to be vaccinated, they say.