KOCHI: Officials in the health department are expecting a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases in Ernakulam district post the assembly elections. District Medical Officer Dr N K Kuttappan told TNIE that the department will increase testing and vaccination in response to the current situation. “The vaccination process will be carried out smoothly. Along with that, active surveillance will be increased and the number of tests will also be increased. We will make sure that RT-PCR tests are done for the maximum number of people,” the DMO said.
Aluva hospital to be Covid centre
The DMO said that the district hospital, Aluva, would be turned into a Covid hospital from April 10. Till now, PVS Hospital, Kaloor, was being used as the frontline Covid treatment centre in the city.
Extra polling booths 1,647
The district administration said that a total of 1,647 extra polling booths have been set up in Ernakulam district alone, amid fears of a Covid-19 surge. The extra booths have been set up dividing those booths having a voters’ count of more than 1,000.
What can you do as a voter?
Wear masks always, do not lower the mask while talking
Remove the mask only for identification purposes
Observe social distancing always
Sanitise hands with soap or sanitiser before entering the booth and after casting the vote
Do not take children below the age of 10 to polling booths
Avoid interaction with pregnant women, children and people with serious ailments
Avoid close contact and shaking hands
Avoid gatherings and maintain social distancing
Do not spit on public places
Keep away from the public if you have a fever or any similar symptoms
After going out, clean yourself before interacting with family members
Ensure that you are observing all Covid guidelines
Constituency
For the last assembly election, the total number of polling booths in Ernakulam district was only 2,108. For today’s poll, 3,899 booths have been set up, including 114 temporary polling booths.