International travelers arriving in the state for short periods of less than seven days do not need quarantine
Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister Veena George has said that the spread of Kovid is declining in the state. The number of cases increased by 45 per cent in the first week of January, 148 per cent in the second week and 215 per cent in the third week. However, it fell to 71 per cent in the fourth week and 16 per cent in the previous week, the minister said.
Despite the increase in inspections, the number of cases is not increasing. Only 42.47% of Kovid and Non Kovid patients are in the ICU. About 57% of ICU beds are vacant. About 15.2% of Kovid and noncovid patients are being treated. About 84 per cent of the ventilators are vacant, he said. The minister was talking to media persons.
Quarantine discount for short-term travelers
International travelers arriving in the state for a short period of less than seven days do not need a quarantine. They should follow the inspection guidelines of the Central Government. They can stay at their home or hotel. Strict Kovid guidelines must be followed. They must return within seven days. If Kovid is found to be positive they should inform the health institutions and make treatment available.
Guidance in the case of Omikron
The minister also said that guidelines have been issued for hospitals in the case of Omikron. Patients coming to the OP, emergency department, or inpatient clinic should only be tested for Kovid if they have Kovid symptoms.
Kovid examination may be necessary for further treatment, even if the treating physician prescribes it. All hospitals should look for specialized facilities for the treatment of patients with Kovid syndrome. There is only one access route to the OP and the emergency department. Health workers should follow Kovid guidelines.
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Patients admitted to various specialties should be treated there by setting up special wards under the same specialty to be treated if Kovid confirms. Each department should set aside separate beds to care for their patients in case of Kovid infection. Kovid should be transferred to the ICU only if urgent treatment is required. All health workers must wear an N95 mask, face shield and surgical gown. The PPE kit can only be used for the treatment of the most severe category.
Strict action will be taken if treatment is denied if the hospital has facilities. Dialysis patients treated in private hospitals should not be discontinued dialysis if Kovid is affected.
The Health Minister also said that the Women and Child Development Department has provided financial assistance to 103 children who have lost their parents / guardians due to the Kovid epidemic. Rs 3.9 crore was spent for this. A total of 143 applications were received. A fixed deposit of Rs. 3 lakhs and Rs. 2000 per month till the child reaches the age of 18 is allowed. He also said that the education expenses of these children up to degree level will be borne by the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.
The central budget is disappointing for the health sector
The health minister said the central budget was disappointing for the health sector. It is unfortunate that even the previously announced budget allocation was not allowed during the third wave. He hoped that AIIMS would consider it sympathetically.