Express News Service
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The third round of the sero-epidemiological survey of Covid-19 spread spearheaded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has begun in the state. For the first time, health workers are also being screened along with the general population aged 18 years and above.
The survey that covers Ernakulam, Palakkad and Thrissur districts is being carried out by a 25-member team led by Dr Vimith C Wilson of the ICMR and coordinated by WHO consultants and state health department officials. The survey is expected to be completed by Thursday.
“The three districts were covered in the first and second rounds of the survey carried out from May 18 to 23 and August 24 to 26, respectively. In the third round, the survey in Palakkad has been concluded. It will cover Ernakulam on Monday and Tuesday, and Thrissur on Wednesday and Thursday,” said a health official.
Health dept considering implementing Kollam model target testing of candidates, polling officials across state
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The district administrations have also been asked to ensure their preparedness to deal with the expected spike
Express News Service
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The signs of a post-election surge in Covid-19 cases have emerged from districts as the state prepares for the resurgence of the virus.Analyses of the health department state that while new cases being reported from some districts increased significantly, in some districts the test positivity rate (TPR) has climbed up slowly.At the same time, the department is said to be considering the Kollam model to be implemented statewide as the district took the initiative of conducting targeted testing among candidates, polling officials and booth agents.
Express News Service
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There are umpteen challenges before the state which is now at the top slot at the national-level for having the most number of active COVID-19 cases and daily caseload.
While Maharashtra is just behind the state in the number of cases, the former has implemented precautionary measures like night curfew in view of upcoming festivities like the Christmas and New Year. Kerala, which is expecting an exponential curve of new infections in the coming days is yet to consider such measures.
The state is also found to be least bothered to undertake high-end research studies like genomic sequencing to keep a tab on emerging challenges like the mutant version of Coronavirus which is spreading rapidly in some countries, especially the UK.
Express News Service
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Reports of a new strain of the novel coronavirus fast spreading in the UK have sparked concern in the state health sector too. According to officials, the new strain has been in circulation since September and chances are high that the virus might have already made its way to the state as thousands of Malayalis had arrived in the state on international flights since then.
Meanwhile, health officials said that any specific surveillance activities against the new strain could only be initiated upon direction from the Health Ministry or the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Express News Service
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The five-member committee formed by the government to explore the possibility of developing a vaccine against COVID-19 has concluded that it is impractical at this stage.
However, it will recommend to set up vaccine manufacturing units on public-private partnership (PPP) model with the manufactures of the vaccine candidates that are in trial phase. On November 16, the state constituted a five-member committee to explore possibilities of collaborations for vaccine production and having a vaccine development unit, including protein-based biologicals like enzymes and cancer drugs. There are some practical difficulties. The vaccine is the need of the hour. For developing it, painstaking research efforts, resources and funds are required. Most importantly, it will take time, said a member of the committee.