Kozhikode: As part of precautionary measures in the wake of Nipah virus infection, the Collector has issued an order declaring Thursday and Friday holiday for all educational institutions including professional colleges, Anganwadis and Madrasas in Kozhikode district.  Educational institutes can arrange online classes. University exams remain unchanged.

 Restrictions on public events have also been announced as part of precautionary measures.  The Collector also informed that people should avoid mass participation in festivals, church fairs and other such events in the district and conduct only ceremonies.

 Public participation in pre-arranged events such as weddings and receptions should be limited to as few people as possible following protocol and prior approval should be obtained from the concerned police station.

 Cultural events such as plays and sports where the public gathers should also be postponed.  Public meetings and public events involving public participation should be postponed.  The collector also informed that the police department will take action against those who spread fake news related to Nipah disease.

Kozhikode: Nipah has been confirmed in one more person in Kozhikode. It was confirmed by a health worker at a private hospital. A 24-year-old man included in the contact list has been diagnosed with the disease. This was informed by the Minister of Health Veena George. At the same time, in the case of Nipah virus confirmed in Kozhikode district, the state level control room has started working in the Directorate of Health Department. While the control room is functioning in Kozhikode district, nodal officers have been appointed in other districts and phone numbers have also been made available for contacting the public. Apart from this State Control Room was started for State level coordination. Call 0471 2302160 from 10 am to 6 pm. The Minister also stated that the direction can be contacted on toll free numbers 1056, 104 and 0471 2552056 24 hours for clearing doubts.

Kozhikode: Health Minister Veena George said that the Health Department has formed a psycho-social support team as part of Nipah prevention activities in Kozhikode. This team has been set up under the leadership of the Mental Health Program of the Department of Health.  The Minister stated that the Kozhikode District Mental Health Program’s Psycho Social Helpline number (0495 2961385 from 9 am to 4 pm) and State level Tele Manas ‘14416’ toll free number 24 hours have been specially set up for this purpose. Mental health activities are carried out by taking into account the problems of tension, anxiety and lack of sleep that those in the primary and secondary contact list may have and the concern for their relationships.  Mental health workers are in contact with each person in observation.  Professionals in the mental health program provide solutions and treatment to those with any difficulties.

 Counseling is also provided to family members if needed.  Also providing helpline number for them to contact back.  So far, 308 people have been called and 214 people have been given psychological support and the Tele Manas helpline number has been made available, the minister said.

Kozhikode: Health Minister Veena George said that in the case of Nipah virus being confirmed in Kozhikode district, the state level control room has been started in the Directorate of Health.  While the control room is functioning in Kozhikode district, nodal officers have been appointed in other districts and phone numbers have also been made available for contacting the public.  Apart from this State Control Room was started for State level coordination.  Call 0471 2302160 from 10 am to 6 pm.  The Minister also stated that the direction can be contacted on toll free numbers 1056, 104 and 0471 2552056 24 hours for clearing doubts.

 A high-level meeting of the health department was held under the leadership of the minister as part of preventive measures.  The districts have been given guidelines related to Nipah disease and have reviewed the activities and given necessary instructions.  A rapid response team consisting of expert doctors from the medical college, officials from health department, animal husbandry and forest department, drugs controller, food safety commissioner, state public health lab and Alappuzha National Institute of Virology also joined the meeting.

 To set up a dedicated ambulance, isolation ward and special triage for those with influenza symptoms in all districts to shift suspected Nipah virus patients to hospitals in case of need, PPE  Instructions are also given to secure materials including kits.  Kaniv 108 Ambulance service has also been ensured.

Kozhikode: Nipah confirmed again in Kerala.  The center said that both the fever deaths in the state were due to Nipah.  Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandavya confirmed this.  The central team will reach the state.  The affected people are under observation.  The test results of the four people who are being treated in the hospital are yet to be received.

 In case of confirmed virus infection, the central team will reach the state.  The Union Health Minister also confirmed that a central team will be sent to the state to assess the situation.  Those who came in contact with the deceased have been put under observation.  In the event of reports of unnatural deaths due to Nipah in the district, the control room has been activated at the guest house.

The control room number for reporting unnatural deaths due to Nipah in the district is:

 0495 2383100, 0495 2383101, 0495 2384100, 0495 2384101 and 0495 2386100.

Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rains are likely in the state.  According to the latest notification, the rains will continue in Kerala for the next five days.  Yellow alert has been declared for three districts of Ernakulam, Idukki and Malappuram today.  There is a possibility of low pressure in Bay of Bengal. The cyclonic vortex located in central east Bay of Bengal near Myanmar coast is likely to intensify into a low pressure over northwest Bay of Bengal in two days.  Heavy rain will occur at isolated places.  Central and southern districts are likely to receive more rain, the Central Meteorological Department has predicted.

 Caution is issued in mountainous areas.  The rain will continue in the coming days.  There is no restriction on fishing in Kerala-Karnataka coasts.  However, caution is also advised for going fishing in Lakshadweep shores.