Kerala reports 182 Covid cases in May, says Health Minister Veena George
Thiruvananthapuram, May 21 (PTI): As many as 182 Covid-19 cases have been reported in Kerala in May so far, state Health Minister Veena George said on Wednesday.
The highest number of cases was reported in Kottayam district (57), while 34 and 30 cases were reported in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram, respectively, during the period, she said after chairing a meeting of the state-level Rapid Response Team (RRT) here.
George urged people to be vigilant, as there is a possibility of an increase in Covid cases in Kerala as well, as large numbers of the infection are being reported in Southeast Asian countries.
The Omicron JN.1 variants, LF.7 and NB 1.8, which are spreading in these countries, have a higher potential for disease transmission, but the severity is not that high, she noted in a statement.
Stressing the significance of self-protection, the minister said those with symptoms such as a cold, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath must wear a mask.
It is advisable for the elderly, pregnant women, and those with serious illnesses to wear masks in public places and while travelling, she said, adding that masks are mandatory while visiting hospitals.
Health workers must also wear masks, George said.
Instructions have been issued to conduct Covid tests for those coming to hospitals with symptoms in the state. Directions have also been issued to ensure RTPCR kits and other safety equipment are there, the statement further said.
George also urged people to be cautious against dengue, rat fever and waterborne diseases in view of the impending rainy season.
Besides the health minister, health secretary, national health mission (NHM)'s state mission director and health director were present during the RRT meeting, the statement added.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
South African police arrest suspect in mass shooting that killed 12, including 3 children
Johannesburg (AP): A 32-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting which claimed the lives of 12 people including three children at an unlicensed pub earlier this month, South African police said on Monday.
The man is suspected of being one of the three people who opened fire on patrons in a pub at Saulsville township, west of South Africa's capital Pretoria, killing 12 people including three children aged 3, 12 and 16.
At least 13 people were also injured during the attack, whose motive remains unknown.
According to the police, the suspect was arrested on Sunday while traveling to Botlokwa in Limpopo province, more than 340 km from where the mass shooting took place on Dec 6.
An unlicensed firearm believed to have been used during the attack was recovered from the suspect's vehicle.
“The 32-year-old suspect was intercepted by Limpopo Tracking Team on the R101 Road in Westenburg precinct. During the arrest, the team recovered an unlicensed firearm, a hand gun, believed to have been used in the commission of the multiple murders. The firearm will be taken to the Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic analysis,” police said in statement.
The suspect was arrested on the same day that another mass shooting at a pub took place in the Bekkersdal township, west of Johannesburg, in which nine people were killed and 10 wounded when unknown gunmen opened fire on patrons.
Police have since launched a search for the suspects.
South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world and recorded more than 26,000 homicides in 2024 — an average of more than 70 a day. Firearms are by far the leading cause of death in homicides.
The country of 62 million people has relatively strict gun ownership laws, but many killings are committed with illegal guns, according to authorities.
According to police, mass shootings at unlicensed bars are becoming a serious problem. Police shut down more than 11,000 illegal taverns between April and September this year and arrested more than 18,000 people for involvement in illegal liquor sales.
