Thiruvananthapuram: Rapid spread in 3rd wave of Covid, next 3 weeks crucial: Health min

Thiruvananthapuram: Health minister Veena George on Wednesday said the state is witnessing the third wave of Covid-19, which is more severe than the previous waves. There is a rapid spread of cases with both Delta and Omicron variants of the virus contributing to it. The cases will peak in the coming days and the next three weeks will be crucial, she said.

The review meeting scheduled on Thursday is expected to announce more restrictions in view of the unprecedented surge in cases. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who attended the cabinet meeting on Wednesday online from the US, has urged various departments to take all effective steps to control the spread.

It is learnt that restrictions will be imposed on the number of people visiting shops and establishments at a time. Colleges in the state are also likely to be shut as many of them have turned into clusters. The state recorded 34,199 cases on Wednesday with a test positivity rate of 37.17%. There are 1,68,383 active cases, of which 3.2% patients are admitted to hospitals.

"The massive surge in the third wave is due to the equal spreading of Delta and Omicron variants. Though Omicron is less harmful, one should not neglect it. It spreads much faster than the other variants. People should not take it lightly. Every single person should strictly follow the Covid protocol," George told a news conference.