In Kerala,  34,199 persons tested positive for Covid-19 today, taking active cases to 1,68,383.  Test Positivity Rate surged to a record 37.17%.  Ernakulam reported the highest daily caseload of 5,953 followed by Thiruvananthapuram-5,684.  In all, 8,193 persons recovered.<br />''  <br />''Briefing media after Cabinet meeting, Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed a third wave of the pandemic in the State, adding that the health sector is all set to deal with any situation. <br />''<br />''The Minister said, the number of patients seeking hospital treatment in the current wave is far less compared to that of second wave. Today,  Health Department has launched massive vaccination drive for school students. The Covid Review Meeting to be held tomorrow will decide on further containment measures and restrictions , the Minister added. <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">  <br />''Meanwhile, the Opposition alleged that State's health care system is in a standstill and ruling CPI(M) is going ahead with party rallies and street shows even as Covid cases rise.</span><br />