Thiruvananthapuram : The government announced revised rules with localised lockdowns which will from now depend on case tally for an area per 1000 and allow shops to open Monday to Friday. Health Minister Veena George made the announcement on Wednesday as per Rule 300 of the Legislative Assembly Act.
Infections per 1000 of the population will form yardstick for imposing localized lockdowns. If an area records more than 10 infections per 1000 of its population, a 7-day lockdown will ensue. At other places, all shops may remain open between 7 am – 9 pm Monday to Friday.
Shops shall also be allowed to operate on Independence Day falling Sunday and on 22nd , also the Sunday, in view of Onam rush. Home deliveries should be expanded to curb crowding. Local self bodies too must carry out sufficient testing in their area. Social distancing inside of shops should spread to gap of one person per 25 sq ft, hte minister said.
People visiting shops should preferably have received at least one dose of the vaccine or have a RT-PC negative certificate from past 72 hours or overcome Covid in one month’s time.
Steps will be taken to prevent cramming at vaccination centres. As part of achieving herd immunity, all residents above 60 shall be inoculated as per vaccine availability.
Vaccines shall be administered to bed patients at their residences. This drive shall be time-bound and overseen by the Health Department. The government will also considering allowing space facility to encourage vaccination via private hospitals, said Minister Veena George.
