Kerala govt makes masks must for pregnant women, elderly

As Covid-19 cases are increasing in Kerala, Health Minister Veena George on Saturday said masks are mandatory for pregnant women, the elderly and those with lifestyle diseases as it was important to protect the elderly and bedridden patients from the disease.

The minister, after holding a high-level meeting to evaluate the Covid-19 situation in the state, said Covid19-related deaths are mostly reported in people above 60 years and those with lifestyle diseases such as diabetes.

Kerala on Saturday reported 1,801 Covid-19 cases, the health minister's office said in a statement, adding that the most number of cases were reported from Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam districts.

"We have increased the testing. The hospital admission cases are increasing slightly. However, among the total cases, only 0.8 per cent patients require oxygen support while 1.2 per cent are admitted in ICUs," the minister said.

The release said 85 per cent of deaths related to Covid-19 cases have been reported in people above 60 years.