Kerala imposes fresh restrictions to curb Covid-19 spread

Mangalore Today News Network

Thiruvananthapuram, April 13, 2021:      In view of the rising cases of Covid-19, Kerala has imposed fresh restrictions to curb the spread of infection in the state.

 

State chief secretary VP Joy on Monday convened a meeting of the core committee on the current Covid-19 situation in the state and decided to introduce strict measures.

Here are all the new rules:

1. A maximum of 100 persons are permitted to gather in case of indoor meetings/programmes and a maximum of 200 persons in case of outdoor functions/programmes.

2. If more than the above number is required to participate, then the organisers shall have a system of passes for the event where only persons who have tested negative for Covid-19 through RT-PCR/saliva test in the last 72 hours and individuals with a certificate of at least first vaccination will be allowed to attend. This shall be applicable for all programmes including marriages, funerals, festivals, sports, arts and cultural events.

3. No programme shall be conducted beyond two hours so as to regulate the number of participants.

4. Measures to provide packed food, instead of dine-in facilities, to guests can be encouraged. This is to avoid the removal of masks during any large gatherings.

5. Restaurants and shops across the state can operate only till 9 pm. In restaurants, only 50 per cent of the seats can be occupied at any given point.

6. Home delivery should be encouraged as far as possible. The collectors may call a meeting of the organisations of shops and establishments for participatory and concerted action in this regard.

7. Crowding must be controlled effectively. Meetings should be held online. E-Sanjeevani (telemedicine) of the health department should be popularised so that crowding in OP wards is avoided. Specialist consultation may also be popularised through E- Sanjeevani.

8. Movie theatres and hotels to operate at 50 per cent capacity.

9. Shopping festivals and discount melas at malls are prohibited for the next two weeks.

10. Religious leaders and district authorities shall encourage people to avoid gatherings (Iftar parties) when fast is broken during evenings in the month of Ramzan.

11. Buses should not allow standing passengers and not ferry passengers beyond the seating capacity. The Motor Vehicle Department shall take steps to ensure the same.

12. Places with centralised air conditioning system (malls, theatres, auditorium etc) should restrict occupancy and strictly ensure Covid-19 Protocol (SMS) and thermal scanning of entrants.

13. Local bodies having high TPR, the district magistrates may impose additional restrictions under section 144 CrPC based on evidence with focus.

Courtesy:India Today