<span style="color: black;">Kerala continues to report surge in Covid cases as it confirmed  16,148 new positive cases today. The test positivity rate  is 10.76 percent at present. 114 deaths were also confirmed due to Covid today taking the total death toll to 15,269 in the state.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: black;">Bringing respite, 13,197 people recovered from the covid infection. At present, a total of 1 lakh 24,779 infected people are undergoing treatment in the state.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: black;">Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that there is a situation of rapid spread of Covid in the state. Despite the decline in the number of cases, the TPR figures still looms above 10 percent, which is a cause of great concern.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: black;">During a press conference, the Chief Minister said that the third wave can be avoided only if the Covid standards and precautionary measures of containment are strictly met.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: black;">Meanwhile, the lockdown restrictions imposed in the state, will be relaxed for three days on 18th, 19th and 20th of this month in observance of Bakrid. In addition to the shops selling essential items, permission has been granted to open clothing shops and other shops selling footwear, electronics, fancy items and jewellery.</span>