THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state has witnessed 22,064 positive cases of the 1,63,098 samples tested in the last 24 hours. The test positivity rate is 13.53%.
Among the new cases, 20,891 cases have been infected through local transmission. The contact source of infection was not traceable for 910. There are 102 healthcare professionals among those infected and 161 people have arrived from outside the state.
Some attribute the numbers to high testing. But Delhi’s testing is also fairly high. The state government said it could be due to easing of curbs. But restrictions have been lifted in almost every other state.
Moreover, there is no evidence of any fast-spreading variant in the state either.
So what could be behind the steep surge in infections?
One possible answer could be found in the results of the 4th sero study released by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) earlier this month.
According to the survey, over 2/3rd of the population in 11 states have antibodies against Covid. However in Kerala, the sero-prevalence is the among the lowest at just 44.4%.
In other words, more than half the population in the state is still vulnerable to the virus.
While the results of the sero study cannot be directly linked to the rising cases, a cursory glance shows that states where the sero-positivity is higher are reporting lower numbers. (Agencies)