Thiruvananthapuram ; Total lockdown clamped on May 8 following huge virus surges, ends today. The state will open on Thursday albeit with some restrictions still holding good. Local self bodies will categorized based on their test positivity rate(TPR) to determine what restrictions will apply, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in media briefing on Tuesday. It will be triple lockdown for local body regions that go above 30 percent on TPR.
It is owing to wide public cooperation that the state tided smoothly over the 2nd wave. The government was left with no option but lockdown to rein in the wave. Welfare schemes were implemented considering the difficulties looming on public, said CM.
No Crowding
Devotees would not be allowed inside places of worship yet. When restrictions ease, shop keepers and other businesses should take care to prevent crowding at all times, said CM. Complete lockdown will continue on Saturday and Sundays. Only a maximum of 20 persons would be allowed at any ritual function.
Central/state government offices, public sector units, government firms, commissions, corporations and local self-government institutions will function with up to 25 percent of their staff. 50 percent staff must punch in at Secretariat each day. The district administration will assess covid spread for their areas every Wednesday and publish the category determined for the district. Local bodies will be assigned testing targets.
Relaxations
● Public transportation on moderate scale.
● Banks on Monday, Wednesday, Friday
● All-India and state level public exams shall be conducted including those of Sports Selection Tribunal.
● Take-away and home deliveries only for hotels and restaurant and hotels.
● Outdoor sports not requiring physical contact shall be allowed.
● BEVCO outlets/bars from 9 am morning to 7 in the evening. Orders to be placed via App.
● Private business may operate on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays with 50 percent staff.
● Government printing press shall remain functional.
● Registration and document writers’ offices may remain open partially.
● Sale of lotteries allowed.
Restrictions
● No malls
● No tourism trips or tourism events. No indoor functions with sizeable gathering.
