Kerala Extends Covid Restrictions Amid Surge In Cases, Eases Lockdown Curbs; Details Here

With Kerala witnessing a surge in Covid-19 cases despite the numbers declining in another states, the government has issued certain guidelines to ensure the figures are kept under control.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan | Getty Images

Thiruvananthapuram: In an endeavour to cut the chain of transmission of the novel coronavirus and to minimise the potential of its spread, the Kerala Government has extended the Covid-19 guidelines with effect from 12 a.m. of August 5.

With Kerala witnessing a surge in Covid-19 cases despite the numbers declining in another states, the government has issued certain guidelines to ensure the figures are kept under control.

READ: India's Covid Cases Surge Again, Country Records Over 42K Cases In Last 24 Hrs

Below are some of the fresh guidelines issued:

• Shops, markets, banks, offices, financial institutions, factories, industrial establishments, open tourist spaces and other establishments can function from Monday to Saturday
• All shops, tourism centres and other establishments should display the status of vaccination of employees and the number of customers permitted at a time. It shall be the responsibility of owners of such establishments to avoid crowding inside and outside the shop. The enforcement agencies will conduct checks and take action to ensure the above
• All establishments in the public sector, including government offices, PSUs, companies, autonomous organisations, commissions etc. will function from Monday to Friday
• Only persons who have taken at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine before two weeks or who are in the possession of RT-PCR negative certificate taken 72 hours before or who is in possession of Covid-19 positive results more than a month old will be allowed inside (workers/visitors) in shops, markets, banks, public and private offices, financial institutions, factories, industrial establishments, open tourist spaces and other establishments
• To avoid crowding, all shops and establishments can function from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The people will be allowed inside the shop only on the basis of the shopping area (1 person per 25 square feet)
• Hotels and restaurants will be allowed online delivery till 9: 30 p.m.
• All transport vehicles (public and private) shall be permitted with strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols
• All competitive, recruitment and university examinations/sports trials shall be permitted
• There shall be a complete lockdown on August 8 (Sunday). However, there shall be no lockdown on August 15 (Independence Day)
• Schools, colleges, tuition centres, cinema theatres, in-house dining in hotels and restaurants etc. will not be permitted
• Malls can be permitted to open only for online delivery. Educational institutes can be opened only for imparting only online education.
• Dining will be allowed in open areas, inside vehicles, parking lots etc. maintaining six feet distance.
• Accommodation facilities like hotels, resorts etc. will be allowed in bio-bubble model in all areas on Fridays
• Public functions, social, cultural and political gatherings are not permitted. However, marriage and funerals will be allowed with participation of maximum 20 persons
• The places of worship shall strictly limit the maximum number of persons to 40 with each person having a minimum of 25 square feet area. For lesser area, the maximum number of persons shall be proportionately reduced
• All departments shall conduct online/social media campaigns to effectively implement the restrictions
• All departments concerned shall ensure that appropriate Covid protocol is followed in all areas