Thiruvananthapuram, April 03: Kerala Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan today said that the State has been successful in controlling the Pandemic outbreak to a large extent and the fall in the number of fresh Covid-19 cases is an endorsement of the Government’s efforts. “Kerala’s performance in containing the pandemic is appreciable but we should realise the gravity of the situation and should not be complacent. The fight would continue.” It may be recalled that Kerala reported its first Coronavirus case on January 30, in a student who had returned back from Wuhan in China.

During his daily briefing on the Covid-19 situation in the State, the Chief Minister disclosed that steps have been taken to increase the number tests being conducted. “Currently we are carrying out the test when there are 4-5 symptoms in a person but from now on, even if there are only 1-2 symptoms, we will conduct the test. The rapid test kits will also be used to do more tests. However, those who test negative using the rapid test kit would still have to continue under observation. It is possible that they may test positive at a later stage.”

The CM also announced the formation of a 17-member task force to come out with recommendations on a phased return to normalcy after the end of the lockdown period. The task force consisting of eminent persons would be headed by the former Chief Secretary, K M Abraham, IAS Rtd. as its convenor. The Prime Minister had yesterday invited suggestions from the State Governments on how to address the post lockdown period.