<span style="color: #222222;">Kerala Government has directed to take extreme caution in the wake of Omicron confirmation in the State. Covid inspection in Cochin airport and ports has been tightened.  In addition to the various government agencies, seven private hospitals are cooperating in the health inspection procedures. Kerala reported its first omicron case last day,in a native of Ernakulam who returned from UK.<br />'' <br />'' Meanwhile, Kerala today witnessed a considerable dip in covid figures as confirmed  2,434 new COVID-19 positive cases. 38  deaths were also confirmed due to COVID today, taking the death toll to 43,170. Bringing respite,  4,308 recoveries were also reported today. At present, 36,281 is the active caseload in the state.<br />'' <br />'' During the covid review meeting, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed the respective district collectors to pay special attention to increase the rate of covid vaccinations in Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode districts where the rates of covid vaccination are comparatively low. In the state, 97 percent have received the first dose and 70 percent have taken the second dose. The second dose has to be given to 70 lakh people. The Chief Minister directed the Health Department to complete the vaccination process as soon as possible.<br />''<br />''Meanwhile, Kerala government has announced more covid relaxations in the state. Ritual arts forms in festivals will be allowed in the state. The decision was taken at today's Covid review meeting to allow a maximum of 300 people in open spaces and a maximum of 150 people in closed spaces such as rooms and halls for public functions, including festivals, political, cultural, and social events. The current maximum of 200 for weddings and funeral or cremation ceremonies will remain as such.  Moreover, schools should be vigilant and immediate action should be taken to provide health care facilities to children arriving at schools if they show symptoms of Covid disease. The matter of opening schools with full strength is not currently under consideration.</span>