<span style="color: #222222;">Kerala reports the highest single day surge in COVID cases today as it confirms 35,013 new cases. The test positivity rate is at alarming 25.34 per cent. 15,505 recoveries are also reported today. Forty one deaths are confirmed due to COVID today. Presently 2,66,646 active COVID cases in Kerala.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">While briefing the media, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, said that there is an unprecedented spread of COVID cases happening throughout the state and hence stringent measures and  strict restrictions will be imposed accordingly. Facilities to curb the spread will be stepped up throughout the major hospitals and COVID Treatment Centres in the state.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Chief Minister also said that the Cabinet has given permission to purchase one crore doses of COVID vaccine. During the press meet, the CM said that strong measures would be taken to ensure the availability of oxygen to patients. He assured that all measures will be taken to prepare a buffer stock of oxygen taking into account the serious COVID situation in the state. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">With the state's COVID cases witnessing a continuous rise, the Chief Minister urged people to join the COVID brigade to fight the pandemic along with the healthcare workers.</span><br />''  <br />