COVID-19 cases have been rising alarmingly in Kerala, which continues to be the main cause of concern in India.
As many as 23,500 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in the state on Wednesday, thus accounting for over 60% of the national figure.
The Union Health ministry, however, clarified that no new variant of the virus has been detected in Kerala, as suggested by some media reports, and that about 90% of its cases are driven by Delta variant.
“The news about new variants suspected in Kerala is without any basis and absolutely false,” the ministry said on Wednesday.
A six-member central team, which visited the worst-hit districts of the state recently, outlined factors like laxity in containment, higher percentage of elderly and diabetic population etc. in the surge in cases.
The Health ministry said that daily cases in Kerala may go up further as the state has a high reproductive rate and low seroprevalence.
