Kerala continues to report a surge in COVID 19 cases as it confirmed 17,466 new infection cases today.

The Test Positivity Rate, TPR is 12.3 percent at present. 66 deaths were also confirmed due to COVID today taking the death toll to 16,035.

Bringing respite, 15,247 people recovered from the COVID infection.

At present, over 1 lakh 30,000 infected people are undergoing treatment in the state.

The TPR figures looming over 10 percent is a cause of concern for the state's Health Department.

COVID sub-divisions will be formed under the leadership of DySPs and Assistant Commissioners to strengthen preventive measures in areas where the Covid confirmation rate is still not subsiding.

Covid sub-divisional officers will be in charge of Covid operations in such areas.

State police chief Anil Kant has passed an official order regarding this to all district police chiefs.

Also, an d order has been issued regarding the functioning of institutions including government offices and public sector undertakings.

Offices and institutions in Category A and B can have up to 50 per cent staff and areas in the C category can function with a maximum staff up to 25 per cent.

In category D, only essential services will be allowed to function. Others will have to work from home.

However, there is no change in the functioning of banks and other financial institutions.

Meanwhile, the weekend lockdown imposed in the state continued today also. Permission was granted for essential services only.

Public transportation was allowed for emergency travels only. Train and air passengers are allowed to travel after furnishing the necessary documents.

The police have been conducting state-wide inspections to ensure that the COVID protocol and safety measures were being implemented and carried out promptly.