Kerala: Second Covid-19 surge sees rise in cases among tribals

As per the data, 7.67 per cent of the general population has tested positive for Covid, with only 3.59 per cent of the total tribal population in Kerala having contracted the disease. But according to the data, the majority of these infections have been reported in tribal communities within the last two months. By the end of January, around 3,000 tribals had contracted the infection, but the figure rose to 17,401 as of May 31. Of the 8,815 Covid-related deaths in Kerala, 146 were of tribals – the toll was 35 at the end of the day. January. According to the last census, the population of tribal communities in the state is estimated at 4.84 lakhs. According to the officials of the tribal department of Kerala, the ban on entry into tribal settlements, The low prevalence of lifestyle diseases among the tribals and the alertness shown by the various departments helped these communities to mitigate the impact of the pandemic in the first wave. However, cases began to rise in recent months, pointing to an increased risk during the second wave of the pandemic. And some officials say that the sale of spurious liquor and the assembly election campaign could be to blame.

“During the assembly elections, the endangered communities came in contact with the general population. About 80 per cent of the confirmed cases reported among tribals occurred in the last two months. Many settlements now have a general population that comes in search of hooch, which is prevalent among the Aborigines. It has also contributed to the sudden spike in cases. At present, in some tribal areas, the test positivity rate is 50 per cent,” the officials said. However, officials said the situation is different in Attapady, the only tribal block in the state, where 40 per cent of the population is tribal and where the general population is more affected by the pandemic. Of the 2,259 cases reported in Attapady, 816 were among tribals, While five members of the tribal community were among the total 23 Covid-related deaths in the area. Considering the vulnerability of tribal communities, the state government has decided to vaccinate all tribals above 18 years of age irrespective of comorbidities. “A rough estimate suggests that 3 lakh tribals above the age of 18 years are to be vaccinated immediately. The concept of social distancing will not work among these groups. The only way to save them is to give vaccine shots to as many people as possible. So far 74,000 tribals have received a single dose of the vaccine. . 000 tribals have received a single dose of vaccine. . 000 tribals have received a single dose of vaccine. .