After the state has shown the upward trend of the new cases of COVID-19, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has warned that the state’s COVID situation might take a grave turn and even indicated that strict restrictions might be imposed again.
On Wednesday, the state of Kerala reported 24 new cases of the novel coronavirus, mostly of people who have returned back to the state recently. Out of the 24, 12 have come from other countries through Vande Bharat Mission and 11 have come from other states. Out of the 11, 8 are from Maharashtra and 3 are from Tamil Nadu. One patient has been the primary contact of an infected person.
With the returnees of stranded Malayalees coming back, the number of cases in the state has seen a steady rise. On a daily basis, the state sees the landing of six evacuation flights bringing Malayalees from other countries that have been severely affected. Despite the passengers being screened before boarding the flight, after landing they have developed symptoms. Post this, the local citizens have been expressing intolerance towards the returnees and accused them of carrying the virus.
The Chief Minister strictly warned the people of such actions against the returnees and stressed that the returnees need the complete support of the state. The Non-Resident Malayalees have been the backbone of the state’s economy for long. The authorities too warned strict action against those who show intolerance against the returnees. Cases have been reported that protests have been witnessed around the quarantine centers against the returnees staying in the neighborhood.
The Monsoon Scare for Kerala
With the forthcoming monsoon and the steady rise of coronavirus cases, the state’s situation looks grim. According to several forecasts, the state is set to receive excess rainfall and has even issued a risk of flood. There have also been reports that there will be a repetition of the 2018 devastation. This will be coupled with the influence of the cyclonic conditions in the Bay of Bengal.
In the coming months, the authorities will be faced with containing the COVID situation as well as performing rescue and relief operations in the flood-hit areas. The opposition parties have banked on the opportunity and have already alleged the lack of preparedness of the government. Many of the schemes to clean river beds are held up because of COVID or lack of funds.
Source: Free Press Journal
