Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 13 (IANS): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Monday that three new Covid-19 positive cases have surfaced in the state, taking the total number of people presently under treatment to 178.

In all, those presently affected and cured cases in Kerala stood at 378.

"There are 1,11,468 people under observation at their homes and 715 persons are under observation at various hospitals in the state," said Vijayan .

"The number of newer cases has come down as also the number of people in isolation. But there should be no complacency and we must maintain strict lockdown restrictions. Any lapse in our hard work will lead to a disaster, so we will have to continue with our present strategy. We are waiting to hear from the Prime Minister on Tuesday and then decide on the future course of action," said Vijayan.

"Our main concern is our people who are in the Middle East. Everyday we keep requesting the Prime Minister on this, but so far nothing has happened. We assure that we will take care of their isolation and medical needs once they are here," Vijayan added.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Police on Monday registered 2,180 cases, arrested 2,042 people and impounded 1,547 vehicles for breaking lockdown measures.