<span style="color: #222222;">Kerala witnessed a hike in the COVID numbers as it confirmed 12,456 new positive cases today.<br />'' <br />''The test positivity rate is 10.39  per cent at present.<br />'' <br />''In all, 135 deaths were also confirmed due to COVID today taking the total death toll to 13,640.<br />'' <br />''Bringing respite, 12,515 people recovered from the COVID infection.<br />'' <br />''At present, a total of 1,03,567 people are undergoing treatment in the state.<br />'' <br />''Meanwhile, the complete weekend lockdown in Kerala will continue tomorrow also. Only essential services are allowed to function.<br />'' <br />''Those in the construction sector can work in strict compliance with the COVID protocol and safety precautions.<br />'' <br />''However, following the COVID spread, the restrictions imposed in areas where the TPR is continuously escalating are continuing as such. </span><br />