Thiruvananthapuram: With 19 more people testing positive for the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Kerala, the total number of infections by the new variant in the State reached 57, the Health Department said on Sunday.

Of the 19 cases, 11 were detected in Ernakulam, six in Thiruvananthapuram and one each in Thrissur and Kannur.

Of the 11 cases detected in Ernakulam, three have come from the UK, two each from the UAE and Ireland, and one each from Spain, Canada, Qatar and the Netherlands.

 

The three infected in Thiruvananthapuram are from the UK, Ghana and Qatar. The case detected in Thrissur is a UAE returnee while the one in Kannur has come from Sharjah.

 

Three contracted the Omicron variant through contact with other infected people.

 

The department advised everyone to be extra vigilant in view of the rise in Omicron cases in the state. "Everyone should wear face masks properly and maintain social distancing. Those who are yet to get vaccination should get it immediately. Those who come from foreign countries have to follow quarantine norms strictly. Those from other states also should be careful. Those with symptoms should immediately contact health workers," Health Minister Veena George said.