On expected lines with the Covid positive cases continuing its surge like never before, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday announced a total lockdown from Saturday till May 16.
Minister for Transport A.K. Saseendran confirmed that the state had no other option but to go for total lockdown given the surge.
"This is the only way out and it will only benefit all of us. So all have to abide by it and stay home," said Saseendran.
Vijayan said that more stringent measures will be imposed in the state to control the spread of the virus, noting that the state’s situation is very serious and steps will be taken to convert lodges and hostels as Covid First-Line Treatment Centres (CFLTCs).
Several government agencies like Consumerfed and Supplyco, political parties, NGOs, Overseas Malayalee Associations registered abroad and private agencies will now be allowed to function as relief agencies, the CM informed.
Essential services including the banks and vaccination centres will be allowed to operate under strict Covid protocols during the lockdown period. Banks in the state will function till 2 pm, only till 1 pm for the public, while Government offices, both state and central, handling only emergency services, need to follow the Covid guidelines.
Shops selling essential goods will remain open but overcrowding will invite harsh punishment. Only takeaways and home delivery will be allowed from hotels and restaurants. However, there will be no restrictions on goods movement and for those who travel by air or rail.
President of the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association, Vijayakrishnan said there is no way out other than for strict lockdown.
Vijayan on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the spike in cases and said 41,953 people turned Covid positive after 1,63,321 samples were tested in the past 24 hours.
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On Wednesday stood at 25.68 per cent and the total number of active positive cases in the state stood at 3,75,658, while 23,106 people were cured taking the total cured to 13,62,363.
Since the end of last month as a first step, Saturdays and Sundays were like a partial lockdown and from Tuesday onwards such a condition was extended, when on Thursday the new decision came for a total lockdown.