In A First, Kerala CM Confirms Community Transmission Of Covid-19 In State; Announces More Restrictions

791 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the State in last 24 hours, taking the count to 11,066.

(File Photo/ AFP)

Thiruvananthapuram: With the continues surge in the number of Coronavirus cases in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday confirmed that community transmission has occurred in two coastal hamlets of Poonthura and Pulluvila in Thiruvananthapuram.  Addressing updates on the Coronavirus condition in Kerala, CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, "Large number of cases in some places in coastal areas of Thiruvananthapuram district is an indication of disease spread. We can say there is community spread in these places. Government is taking steps to coordinate all efforts to face this serious situation." He went on to say that the Kerala is now moving to the next stage of the pandemic and so, there will be strict measures and guidelines in the capital district to contain the spread of the disease. "There will be more restrictions in the capital district, which has a serious outbreak of the disease. A total lockdown will be implemented in the coastal areas from tomorrow," Pinarayi Vijayan added. As per the latest updates, 791 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the State in last 24 hours, taking the count to 11,066. The number of those presently under treatment is 6,029. Briefing on the transmission of the virus in the recently recorded cases, CM explained that of the positive cases, 532 people have been infected through contact. Of the infected, 135 people had come from abroad and 98 from other states. On a positive note, he told thatthere has been 133 recoveries in the state. "To contain COVID-19 in the state, all the Banks in the state shall remain closed on Saturdays, in addition to the existing holidays on 2nd and 4th Saturdays," CM further announced. The state has tested 16,642 samples in the last 24 hours. It can be noted that as many as 1.78 lakh people are under observation, while 6124 are in various hospitals, including 1152 admitted today. There are 285 hotspots in the state while 2.75 lakh samples have been sent for testing and results of 7610 samples are awaited. (With inputs from PTI news agency)