Kerala announces 100-day action plan to tackle economic slowdown due to Covid

The Kerala government on Friday announced a 100-day action plan to help the state recover from the economic slowdown caused by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the scheme would be implemented from June 11 to September 19. “The emphasis will be on policies and plans to further the achievements of health, education and social security, accelerate economic growth and generate quality jobs,” Vijayan said. a statement. The action plan includes launching of projects worth Rs 2,464.92 crore, creating over 77,000 jobs in various departments, increasing agricultural production and enhancing health infrastructure. “It aims to enable the creation of a knowledge-based economy with a focus on science and technology and skill development,” Vijayan said. The Chief Minister said, “The eradication of poverty, removal of economic and social inequalities, Utmost importance will be given on applying an eco-friendly development perspective and adopting modern solid waste management practices conducive to healthy urban living.” He informed that the priority will also be the production of non-toxic food.

Vijayan also said that loans worth Rs 5,898 crore have been sanctioned from international financial institutions like World Bank, German Bank KfW and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank for the reconstruction of Kerala. Workers transport COVID-19 vaccines for distribution at various vaccine centers in Kochi on Thursday. (PTI Photo) Delta variant more prevalent in Kerala during second wave: The Chief Minister confirmed that the delta variant of COVID-19 was more prevalent in the state during the second wave. Talking to reporters, he said that the threat of a second wave is over now as the number of patients and the spread of the disease have declined. “The lockdown was effective in controlling the spread of the disease. Kerala has also been able to bring down the death toll better than other regions. However, the situation is not yet conducive to complete relaxation.

Kerala reported 14,233 new cases and 173 deaths on Friday. The average test positivity rate (TPR) for the last three days is 13.9 per cent. Vijayan said the target is to reduce the TPR to less than 10 per cent. So far, more than 25 percent of Kerala’s population has received the first dose of the vaccine. “If the next wave suddenly hits and peaks, there will be a higher causality rate. Therefore, relaxation in lockdown will be implemented carefully and people should maintain the COVID norms even after the lockdown. In the meantime, measures to further strengthen the healthcare infrastructure will be vigorously pursued,” Vijayan said. “All preparations are being made to face the third wave and infrastructure of all hospitals is being augmented,” he said.