Kerala recorded highest COVID deaths last year; 66 fatalities, 5597 cases reported

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala reported the highest number of COVID deaths in the country last year. Between January and December 6, 2024, a total of 66 deaths were recorded. Karnataka reported 39 deaths, while Maharashtra, Delhi and Punjab recorded over 30 fatalities each, according to data released by the Central Government.

Last year, 5,597 COVID cases were confirmed in the state. At present, there are no new variants of the COVID virus in the country. The most recent variant, identified as JN 1, was detected in November 2023 and remains the current strain. Due to the lack of mandatory requirements, COVID testing has notably decreased in the state. Only those experiencing fever along with breathing difficulties or other severe conditions are being advised to undergo RT-PCR testing.

The number of cases has been declining due to increased immunity against the virus through vaccination. In 2023, Kerala recorded 87,242 COVID cases and 516 deaths. In comparison, 2022 saw 15,83,884 cases and 24,114 deaths. According to government data, only two individuals were undergoing COVID treatment on Monday.