The Ernakulam administration has informed that the district will not undergo a regional lockdown despite recording more than 2,000 cases – the highest among all districts in Kerala – on Saturday. District Collector S Suhas told a leading Malayalam channel that the district would arrange more Covid-19 treatment centres and ICUs soon.
Despite not imposing severe Sunday restrictions, Suhas did acknowledge that the situation in Thrikkakara and Kochi corporation limits is very grim. “More than 36,000 cases have been conducted in the last two days. We are expecting more than 2,000 cases in the district on Sunday,” Suhas said, adding that the next week is crucial for the district.
Meanwhile, the district administration has placed lockdown-like restrictions in Kozhikode amid the rising Covid-19 cases. The district administration has urged people not to leave their houses except for essential activities.
According to reports, not more than five people are allowed to gather at a place. All shops in Kozhikode selling essential goods will remain open till 7 pm. Beaches, parks and other tourist spots will remain closed on Sunday as the administration felt that the public would venture towards these places. However, the district administration said that the public transport and the healthcare sector will function as usual.
The Kasaragod district administration has also placed strict restrictions on public entry into the town. Reportedly, the administration has made it mandatory that those entering Kasaragod must have a Covid-19 negative certificate or Covid vaccination from April 24.
On Saturday, Kerala reported 13,835 positive cases, 3,654 recoveries and 27 deaths. In the past 24 hours, 81,211 samples collected and the test positivity rate has increased to 17.04%. Six districts in Kerala reported more than 1,000 cases each. Ernakulam reported 2,187 cases, Kozhikode with 1,504, Malappuram with 1,430, Kottayam with 1,154, Thrissur with 1,149 and Kannur with 1,132 positive Covid-19 cases.