State issues new guidelines as Covid cases are on the rise, veena geroge, covid-19 treatment, kerala news, masks

02 April 2023, 08:29 AM IST

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Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Department has rolled out a set of guidelines to tackle the unprecedented rise in Covid-19 cases in the state. The guidelines were issued following a review meeting convened by the health department the other day.

"Hospitals have been directed to set up separate beds to treat Covid-19 patients. Covid patients must receive treatment without fail. The surveillance officer must ensure that samples collected from patients are being sent for Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) from all districts," informed Health Minister Veena George.

Guidelines

Mask mandatory for those suffering from diabetics, hypertension, cancer, heart & kidney-related issues, and others. Further, the mask must also be worn by pregnant women, kids and the elderly in public spaces, including hospitals.
Those above 60 years of age and those with diabetes, hypertension, cancer, heart issues, kidney problems and other diseases should undergo RT-PCR tests if they show symptoms of Covid-19.
Patients and bystanders arriving at hospitals must wear masks.
District Medical Officers must ensure that Health workers wear masks inside the hospital.
Asha workers and health staff should strengthen efforts to identify pregnant women showing flu symptoms. Pregnant women should be tested for Covid if they have symptoms.
Strengthen the awareness campaign to inform the public about the importance of receiving two doses of the Covid vaccine and a precautionary dose
People with lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, people over 60 years of age, pregnant women, children, and those ailing from other diseases should take special precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Bed-ridden persons and palliative care patients at home should take precautionary measures.
A certain number of beds should be set aside in all government and private hospitals for Covid patients.
If a person arrives in any hospital with Covid-19, the authorities must ensure that the person receives treatment in the same hospital in a specially reserved area.