Even as there are increasing concerns that the emergence and rapid spread of the COVID-19 sub-variant of the Omicron lineage, JN.1, can lead to a spike in cases in the State, Kerala will carefully monitor the current situation of increasing respiratory illnesses and follow the combined ABC approach to the management of influenza-like illnesses (ILI), according to Health department officials.
COVID cases have been showing a spike in Kerala since October end and many private hospitals had insisted on bringing back non-pharmacological interventions within their premises so that spread can be contained. Testing suddenly went up, which also reflected in the increase in Covid numbers.
The latest circular issued by the Health department suggests mandatory masking, especially for the elderly and those with co-morbidites. It states that all those admitted with symptoms of influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in hospitals are tested for COVID-19. Those with symptoms who test negative in Rapid Antigen Test should be tested by RT-PCR.
