Daily new cases come up in Kerala. Amid mounting COVID-19 cases in the state, Kerala reported its highest single-day improvement of 4,476 persons, even as 7,834 individuals tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Saturday. "Samples of 4,476 persons returned negative today, the highest recoveries on a single day so far," Health Minister KK Shailaja stated in a press release. In the last 24 hours, 54,563 samples have been sent for testing. On Friday, the state's COVID-19 count had crossed the 9,000 mark for the first time.
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Prohibitory directions under section 144 CrPC came into dominance in the state from Saturday, as per which not more than five people can gather at any place, including shops, banks and commercial establishments. Earlier on Saturday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the government had no other option but to strengthen strict COVID-19 norms. "If people are allowed to go to shops, then use of gloves is a must. It will be the responsibility of the shop owners to ensure that COVID protocols are followed. If not, strict action will be taken; fines will go up if masks are not worn," said the CM.
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Thiruvananthapuram recorded the highest number of cases on Saturday -- 1,049, while three districts-- Malappuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode -- accounted for over 900 cases on Saturday, the Minister KK Shailaja said. Twenty-two deaths were confirmed due to COVID-19, taking the toll to 813. The deceased were aged between 47 and 78. As many as 6,850 people were infected through contact, 49 had come from abroad and 187 from other states, she said. Ninety-five health workers were among those whose samples tested positive on Saturday -- 24 from Thiruvananthapuram and 23 from Kannur.