Of the 55,475 positive cases, 33,682 were fully vaccinated. As many as 2,575 persons had got the first dose of vaccination. The infected included 506 health workers, who are fully vaccinated.

Health minister Veena George said the state is still going through the extreme spread of the infection. A major chunk of the infected people in the current phase are those in the age group of 30 to 40.

“A large number of health workers are testing positive, posing a challenge to hospitals. Infection control system would be implemented in all hospitals in the state,” she said.

The growth rate in newly declared cases increased by 143 per cent during the last week of January 18-24, compared to the previous week. The number of active patients, number of those admitted in hospitals, field hospitals, ICU, ventilator and in oxygen supported beds has increased by 171 per cent 106 per cent, 115 per cent, 62 per cent, 33 per cent and 138 per cent respectively this week compared to previous week.

(With inputs from agencies)