India added 13,203 coronavirus infections in 24 hours, taking its tally to 1.84 crores, the Health Ministry data this morning showed. Of these 6,036 cases or 45 percent of the new infections were reported from one state – Kerala.
While daily cases in the country – including in Maharashtra, one of the worst-hit states – have sharply reduced since hitting peak last year, Kerala has been reporting highest daily COVID-19 cases in the country for days.
At least 11 districts in the southern state, including state capital Thiruvananthapuram, are among the top 20 district that continue to report high number of daily infections in the country.
“Apart from Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Alleppey, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta have been reporting a high number of infections,” they said, citing lack of contact tracing and a low number of testing as the main reason for the increase in Covid cases in the state.
The state government, sources said, has not increased testing despite recommendations from the Central team which was formed by the center to assist states worst affected by the pandemic.
“Kerala has not been following contact tracing effectively. At least 4-5 contact tracing is necessary per case. Clinical management also needs to be strengthened in the state,” said the source.