Thiruvananthapuram, April 06: Kerala today reported 13 new COVID-19 cases in the State. Nine of the new cases are from Kasargod District, two from Malappuram district, and one each from Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts. Seven of the fresh cases were reported in those who came from overseas, three from those who returned after attending the Tablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddin and the rest three infected through primary contact with other patients.

 As on today, there are 327 confirmed cases in the State with 266 patients currently under treatment in various hospitals. Three patients tested negative today – one each in Kollam, Thrissur and Kannur districts.

As compared to yesterday, the total number of people under observation in Kerala has further dropped down to 1,52,804. Of these, 1,52,009 are under home observation and 795 in hospitals. 122 people were admitted to hospitals today. 10,716 samples were sent for testing and 9,607 results are negative.

Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan said, “The Covid Hospital at the Kasargod Medical College has started functioning. The hospital was converted to a Corona Care Hospital in just four days. 200 beds and 10 ICU beds are now ready. Steps are being taken to add an additional 100 beds and 10 ICUs. State-of-the-art medical equipment worth Rs. Seven crores are being installed at this hospital.”

Meanwhile, a 26-member expert team from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College has reached Kasargod. The team comprising of 11 Doctors, 10 Staff Nurses and 5 Assistant Nurses will coordinate the activities of the Covid Hospital. They would also provide training to the medical staff there apart from serving the patients there.

The CM also informed that 38 Corona Care Centres are now functioning in the State. The guidelines for using the Rapid Test kits are being prepared by the Crisis Management Centre.