Thiruvananthapuram, May 22 (IANS): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Friday that the state has witnessed the highest single-day spike in the past 24 hours, reporting 42 new Covid-19 cases, taking the number of cases presently under treatment to 216.

Till Friday, a total of 732 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the southern state.

"Of the 42 new cases, 21 came from Maharashtra, while 17 came from abroad. This is a serious spike and is a message that we should be more alert. More and more of our people are going to come from outside the state. The doors will be open to all. But we are ready with all the required facilities," said Vijayan.

"We have relaxed the lockdown measures, not for celebrations, but to ensure that life moves forward. But we are noticing that many people are coming out, which should not happen. Many are forgetting that we have to be very serious in tackling this pandemic. It cannot be taken lightly," added the Chief Minister.

Vijayan pointed out that at present, there are 83,649 people under observation at their homes while 527 are in various hospitals.

There are 28 hotspot areas in the state currently, while over 91,000 people have entered the state from outside using different modes of transportation.

"The remaining Class X and XII examinations have been announced from next week. All those students who have family members who are under home quarantine will be allowed to sit separately to write the examinations. The students will be screened before they take their seat. Soaps and sanitisers are must in all the schools and masks will be given to all the students," Vijayan said.

He also assured that students need not worry if they miss any exam, as fresh dates will be announced for such students to ensure that they don't loose an year.