A day after witnessing the highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases, the Kerala government on Wednesday announced fresh restrictions in the state declaring Saturday a holiday for all Government Offices, Banks, Public Sector Undertakings and Cooperative institutions. The state reported 22,414 new Covid-19 cases and 22 deaths yesterday.
According to the guidelines, with an aim to break the chain of transmission, the state government said that only essential services and emergency activities allowed on weekends – April 24 and 25. While on April 24 (Saturday) will be a holiday for all Government Offices, Banks, Public Sector Undertakings and Cooperative institutions.
The guidelines further stated that all educational institutions (Public/private) including music/art schools, coaching institutions are directed to conduct classes only in the online mode. Hostels permitted to function strictly adhering to Covid protocols. Higher Secondary Examinations on Saturday will take place as scheduled. However, no restrictions shall be binding on any staff deputed on election, examination or Covid duty.
All state and central government offices and their autonomous bodies, corporations etc. dealing with emergency and essential services and Covid-19 containment and management duties, shall be fully functional and officers/personnel of the same shall be allowed unrestricted movement.
Meanwhile, all industries/companies/organizations dealing with emergency and essential services, and requiring operations 24×7 permitted to operate. Movement of employees of such organizations allowed on producing valid ID cards issued by their respective organization/institution. Employees and vehicles of telecom and internet service providers shall be allowed movement on producing valid ID cards issued by their respective organization/institution. Only essential staff/employees shall work from the office, stated the guidelines.
At the same time, Patients and their attendants who are in an emergency, and eligible people intending to take Covid-19 vaccination shall be allowed movement with minimal proof. Neighborhood shops dealing with food, groceries, fruits and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, meat, and fish will allow to function. Meanwhile, Restaurant and eateries allowed only for take-away and home delivery. Movement of long-distance bus services, trains and air travel will be permitted.
The movement of public transport, private vehicles, and taxis (including cabs by aggregators) to and from airports, railway stations, and bus terminals/stops/stand allowed for facilitating the movement of passengers. The movement will allow only on displaying valid travel documents/tickets and strictly adhering to Covid protocol.
Meanwhile, Marriages and housewarming ceremonies registered in Covid Jagratha Portal permitted strictly adhering to Covid protocols. At the same time, the new guidelines announced on a day when the state recorded its highest single-day spike. The chief minister said the state government would provide free vaccination to all adults aged more than 18 years.
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