Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced that the all-party meeting decided against a lockdown in the state but will enforce stricter restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19.
During a press conference, Vijayan said that cinema theatres, shopping malls, gyms, clubs, swimming pools and bars would remain temporarily closed. Vijayan added that shops and restaurants should close by 7.30 pm. However, restaurants parcel counters can remain open till 9 pm.
Vijayan said that it was a mutual opinion to not impose a lockdown."In the all-party meeting today, the mutual opinion was that Kerala should not have a complete lockdown. But, it is suggested that strict restrictions should be enforced in the state to curb the spread of Covid-19," Vijayan said. The meeting came on a day when Kerala reported 21,890 new Covid-19 cases and the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) is 22.71%.
The parties agreed that there should be no celebration on counting day (May 2). “Only counting officials, political parties counting agent and journalists are allowed at counting centres. However, they have to produce a negative RT-PCR test report or two vaccine doses certificate,” said the Kerala Chief Minister.
Vijayan said that the public in Kerala must continue to remain vigilant, “Kerala can likely face the same situation as in north India. People must remain vigilant,” he warned.
Vijayan said night curfews would continue from 9 pm to 6 am. He added that no gatherings are allowed and only essential services are allowed during the night curfew. Weekend lockdowns will continue.
Vijayan said that those organising weddings and other functions must register under the Festival Entry Registration section on the Covid-19 Jagratha portal. The Chief Minister said that 50 to 75 persons are allowed at marriage functions and 20 persons for funerals.
Meanwhile, the Kerala Public Service Commission has announced that all PSC exams have been postponed due to the second Covid-19 wave. The PSC exams were to be held in May 2021. Reportedly, the Commission has said that the revised dates of the PSC exams will be informed later.
