Community living may aggravate COVID situation in Idukki

Chances of interaction among families and easy chance of virus transmission in settlements

The increase in COVID-19 cases in plantation areas, tribal settlements, and vegetable hubs has raised concern among health officials as they fear that the community living system followed there may aggravate the situation. Though the average number of cases per day has been below 1,500 in the district, a spurt in cases has been reported from the plantation areas of Devikulam, Udumbanchola, and Peerumade and a few tribal settlements in these taluks. The vegetable hubs of Kanthallur and Vattavda have also reported a spurt in cases recently. Plantation workers live in estate quarters with each family having a kitchen, central room, and a front portion in a single line. Bathrooms, toilets, and water connections are for all, which increases the chances of interaction among families and easy chance of virus transmission.