No new cases, situation grim as over 18,000 under observation

: Though no newcoronavirus cases were reported from Kerala on Tuesday, the situation continues to be grim with over 18,000 people under surveillance, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.The total number of cases tested positive so far in the state was 24, including two foreigners - an Italian and another from the UK.At least 18,011 people are under surveillance, which include 268 in isolation wards of various hospitals across the state."A total of 5,372 people were put under observation on Tuesday with 65 admitted to isolation wards of various hospitals, while the health department has removed 4,353 from the observation list," Vijayan told media after the daily review meet.The state government would monitor the daily developments on studies related to COVID-19 across the world, including the research papers prepared, he said."Studies on COVID-19 are on at various parts around the world. We need to identify, evaluate and understand everything happening with relation to COVID-19. We will analyse the developments on a daily basis, including monitoring of the research papers prepared," VIjayan said.He said the government would form an expert committee to advise it on the steps needed to be taken with regard to the pandemic.The state government has also decided to start an "interactive web portal" for the public and also a "digital consultation" led by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).As the pandemic has affected the state's economy, the government has taken steps to mitigate the issues faced by the people in this regard."The impact of COVID-19 on the state's economy is huge. Those who have taken loans are finding it difficult to pay them back. We met with the State-level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) and sought extension of the time to repay the loan. We have also sought for relaxation of the interest on the loans taken by the people," Vijayan said.The state government also said that to help those who "work from home", it would ensure there are no power cuts.Meanwhile, the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), where a dcotor who returned from Spain has tested positive for the virus, said primary contacts of the affected doctor had been identified based on prescribed criteria and he had been placed in home quarantine.Top priority and emergency surgeries and care of patients attending the OP are being conducted at the SCTIMST hospital wing.Elective procedures and admissions have been postponed till the staff strength is restored.Measurers have been imposed to control the inflow of visitors coming to the hospital as a precautionary measure to maintain safe distances and avoid congestion in the OP and other areas based on guidelines.All the 76 hospital personnel, who may have potentially direct contact with the infected doctor, were included in the primary contact list and are in home quarantine, a release from the institute said.

No new cases, situation grim as over 18,000 under observation

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