On the wake of the rising COVID-19 cases, Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday announced that night curfew will be imposed in the state from 10 pm to 6 am from August 30. Addressing a press briefing, the Chief Minister said: "zeropositivity rate is lowest in Kerala. 2.03 crore people have received first dose of COVID vaccine and 74 lakh people have got second dose. 57.6 per cent have got first dose and 20.93 per cent got their second dose. These figures are much higher than the national numbers. We are confident of vaccinating all above 18 years of age with the first dose of vaccine by September."
"Around 9 lakh people above the age of 60 and those with co-morbidities are reluctant to take vaccine. We are taking steps to increase awareness and encourage them to take vaccines," he added.The state on Saturday reported 31,265 fresh cases of coronavirus while 153 patients succumbed to the infection in the last 24 hours. The day also saw 21,468 discharges following which the active cases in the state has come down to 2,04,896.On Friday, the Kerala government had decided to continue with Sunday lockdown. The government, facing flak from opposition and public health experts for alleged poor Covid-19 management in the state, said lockdown shall be in force on Sundays, with only limited permissible activities. Overall, India has reported 46,759 Covid cases and 509 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total case tally in the country is 3,26,49,947 and the death toll stands at 4,37,370.