Kochi: The Kochi branch of Indian Medical Association has said that given the pandemic nature of COVID-19, around 65 lakh people in the state were vulnerable. This forms about 19% of population in the state.
According to sources, Kerala has around 24 confirmed tests and is currently adivsing home isolation. Around 18,000 people are under observation and the state is awaiting the results of at least 2,467 samples on Wedneday. The state had come together in a huge socio-medical effort to screen and spread awareness about the virus, earning international praise.
In case the IMA prediction comes true, Kerala will need at least 2.35 lakh ICU beds and as much equipment.
The state, which is a popular tourist hotspot, has turned wary of tourists after two tourists who were infected came into contact with locals, requiring the locals to go into isolation. There have been several cases where foreigners have been turned down by hotels and restaurants. In central Kerala, a young French woman and her three-year-old child could not find a place to stay or food to eat for two days. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who also talked about a Russian family who were also treated similarly, stated that this was humiliating for the state. "It is not their fault that they are sick. We have Keralites who are sick too. Beyond all, we must give importance to humanity," said Pinarayi Vijayan.
