KK Shailaja tests Covid positive

Indian politician and Kerala’s former Health Minister KK Shailaja, a leader recognised internationally for her accomplishments in the health sector, has tested positive for Covid-19.

The popular politician underwent a Covid test after exhibiting some symptoms after she returned from the CPM central committee meeting in Hyderabad.

Her symptoms being mild, she is currently under medical observation and home quarantine.

Shailaja rose to fame when Kerala’s health sector managed to contain Nipah and Covid-19 spread in the state, while she was the state’s health minister.

BBC News featured her among a list of Asian women corona fighters and broadcast her interview her on the success of Kerala state at containing the number of Covid-19 cases, last year.

The Guardian described her as a ‘coronavirus slayer’ and ‘rock star health minister’. British magazine Prospect selected her as the world’s ‘top thinker’ of 2020, pushing the Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern to the 2nd position. Vogue Magazine featured her as a ‘Vogue Warrior’.

Meanwhile, the number of Covid-19 patients is on the rise in Kerala. There has been a 100 per cent increase in Covid-19 cases. On Tuesday, the state reported 9,066 new infections.

”The spread of Covid-19 is strong among health workers.We have assessed the preparations required to deal with the situation,” Kerala’s current Health Minister Veena George said.

India recorded 1,94,720 fresh Covid-19 cases and 442 deaths in the 24 hours up to 8 am on Wednesday. The active cases have mounted to 9,55,319, the highest in 211 days.