THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With close to 1.70 lakh new Covid cases reported in Kerala in the last four days and the daily test positivity rate reaching as high as 45 percent, State Health Minister Veena George refuted media reports on Monday that there is a severe shortage of health facilities in the aftermath of the massive spike.

George stated on Monday that media reports alleging a shortage of beds in state-run health facilities are false and unfounded.

"Thiruvananthapuram Medical College has 206 ICU beds, 40 of which are reserved for Covid patients, and 20 of which are currently vacant, as is the case with other state-run hospitals. Across the state, 43 percent of these facilities are occupied by Covid and non-Covid patients, while the remaining 43 percent are vacant "George stated.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that as a result of the large number of positive health care professionals, there are issues with overloading testing centres, and legislators are now directing these centres to expedite the testing process and provide results as soon as possible.

Kerala scales up 41,668 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hrs

More than 3 lakh corona cases a day after 8 months, highest number of new cases in these two states

Kerala HM warns, present Covid scenario in state to get serious concern