<span style="color: #222222;">The Kerala government makes it compulsory to wear masks in hospitals as the Covid cases in the State crossed one thousand. <br />''<br />''State Health Minister Veena George today reviewed the increasing Covid cases and said it would be better if the aged people, children and those with health ailments can use masks in public places. The Minister said that the total number of active Covid cases in the state was 1,026 with 172 new cases and 111 of them were being treated at various hospitals in the state today. Surveillance measures are strengthened and directions have been issued to ensure adequate ICU ventilator and medical facilities in the State.</span><br />