NEW DELHI: Kerala has registered 292 new active cases of COVID-19 and three deaths on December 19, as reported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The total number of active cases in the state now stands at 2,041, while the cumulative death toll since the onset of the pandemic three years ago has reached 72,056.
Despite the surge in cases, State Health Minister Veena George reassured the public that there is no need for alarm. Minister George emphasised that Kerala is well-prepared to handle the virus infection, and specific directives have been issued to enhance facilities for COVID-19 patients. The measures include the provision of special facilities, and the availability of isolation wards, rooms, oxygen beds, ICU beds, and ventilators in hospitals across the state.
Meanwhile, Karnataka is taking preventive measures in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases. Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao announced a new directive mandating face masks for individuals aged 60 and those with comorbidities. The directive also extends to individuals displaying fever, cold, and cough symptoms.
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Sabarimala pilgrims returning from Kerala currently face no immediate restrictions, but monitoring is ongoing in bordering districts to ensure the situation remains under control.
In Telangana, four new positive cases of COVID-19 were recorded on December 19, with a total of nine active cases currently under treatment or isolation.
The Director of Public Health emphasised the importance of wearing masks for everyone when going out, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and adherence to preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.
In India, currently 341 new cases were reported until 8 am on Wednesday. Over the past 24 hours, 224 individuals have been cured, discharged, or migrated after being diagnosed with the infection.