Kerala govt warns of surge in coronavirus cases following local body polls

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 19 (PI) Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja on Saturday warned of a spike in COVID-19 cases,days after the local body elections in the state, and askedpeople to be extremelycareful for the next few weeks.

The Health Minister also advised the public to self-quarantine and remain patient until a vaccine for the pandemicis made available.

“Its not time yet to go shopping with kids or toentertain huge gatherings for weddings and festivities. Weneed to remain patient until a vaccine is available.

So until then, the political parties, families andindividuals should ensure that such gatherings are avoided andthe health protocol is adhered to,” Shailaja said during aFacebook live event.

Citing expert opinion that COVID-19 cases may increaseafter the elections, she asked people to get themselves testedin case of any symptoms.

“Experts opine that an increase in cases can be seenafter the elections. We need to be extremelycareful for thenext two weeks. People should not think that elections areover and the COVID-19 has gone.

Even though the government has lifted the restrictions,people should restrain themselves and follow the COVID-19health protocol,” she said.

The three-phase polling was held in a total of 21,893wards in 1,200 local self governing bodies–including sixcorporations, 941 village panchayats, 14 district panchayatsand 87 municipalities on December 8, 10 and 14.

The entire election procedure was in compliance withCOVID-19 protocols, masks, sanitising and social distancingnorms were made mandatory at all polling stations. PTI RRTROH ROH

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Federal staff and is auto-published from a syndicated feed.)