Kerala continues to report surge in COVID cases as it confirms  23,676  new positive cases today. The test positivity rate is  11.87  per cent at present. The number of covid cases are relatively high in  Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Palakkad districts.  148  deaths were also confirmed due to COVID today taking the total death toll to 17,103. Bringing respite, 15,626 people recovered from the Corona virus infection.  At present, a total of  one lakh 50000  people are undergoing COVID treatment in the state.<br />'' <br />''Meanwhile, decisions regarding the lockdown restrictions and changes in covid regulations in the state will be taken after the Covid review meeting chaired by  Chief Minister  Pinarayi Vijayan. <br />'' <br />''Meanwhile the Central team today stock of the covid situation in various districts. They held discussions with the district health department chiefs and various officials  and took note of the status of active covid cases, preventive measures being taken, vaccination details and hospital facilities being stepped up in various districts. The primary report regarding the analysis of the disease status and present covid defense strategies in the state has been submitted to the Department of Health. <br />''<br />''The  team of health experts led by Dr. Sujeet Singh, Director, National Centre for Disease Control recommended that in the coming days stringent restrictions backed by scientific measures need to be put in place in order to curb the escalating TPR figures in various parts of the state where  the infection is most prevalent.<br />