Kerala, 23rd April
2020: Corona Virus or COVID-19 has already stirred up its existence all over
the world, with its outset in Kerala. The world has witnessed its first
COVID-19 patient in Kerala. The patient is a student in China’s Wuhan
University and is being closely monitored. The confirmed cases of Kerala reach 437
along with the recovered number of patients being 49 till 20th April
confirmation. Kerala has seen its first death of a 69-year-old man in Kochi
Medical College on 28th of March. As said by the Kerala Government,
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs announces a statement on 17th
April about a revised circulation guideline for lockdown measures. This was
about reactivating some travel facilities to travel short distances which
include local shops, bus services in the main cities of Kerala.
The Chief Minister of Kerala Mr. Pinarayi
Vijayan along with the Health Ministry have decided to divide the state in four
zones (Red, Orange A, Orange B, Green) in order to identify the hotspots and
safe zones. The Red zone areas are strictly prohibited to withdraw lockdown
until it’s completely safe. The Orange A zone can partly start their activities
from 24th April if not changed. The Orange B zone has already
started their activities within short distances and the Green zone is totally
safe and sound. Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram districts are declared
to be in the Red zone. Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Kollam fall
under the Orange A zone. Alappuzha, Trivandrum, Palakkad, Wayanad and Thrissur
are in the Orange B zone and the rest are in Green zone. PTI reports, in
Kerala, one person each from Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and
Malappuram and three individuals from Ernakulam district are kept in isolation
wards of several health centres. CM Pinarayi Vijayan said that cooperation of
public is immensely needed in such a pandemic situation to keep Kerala safe. He
further added, “However it’s too soon to assume that we’re out of danger…”
Moreover, alike China, Kerala is also using robots for the health worker’s
fight against COVID-19. The robot is named “Nightingale-19” which is deployed
to provide food and medicines among the patients at the coronavirus centre in Ancharakandi
in Kannur district, where a huge number of cases have been reported. The robot
also has a special facility to it which allows the patients to communicate with
health workers as well as their relatives if necessary, according to the health
minister’s office.
Education
Minister Mr. C. Raveendranath held a meeting with the Vice- Chancellor of
Kerala University, Dr. V.P. Mahadevan Pillai and decided to arrange the
University examinations on a provisional date of 11th May, with Mr.
Raveendranath stating about the importance and necessity of the examinations
for the youngsters in the state. Meanwhile an educational committee was formed
under the leadership of Dr. B Ekbal, Member (Education and Health) Planning
Board and former Vice-Chancellor, the Kerala University to help in the
examination process.
According to the
government order from the Higher Education Department, Kerala, “Universities
shall make arrangements for conducting the balance examinations starting from
May 11, 2020 and home valuation starting from April 20, 2020. The examinations
may be conducted in such a manner that they can be completed in a week’s time”.
Picture Courtesy: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/kerala-declares-coronavirus-state-calamity-to-intensify-efforts-to-contain-virus-in
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