The Kerala government on Monday imposed restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 from April 27 which include shutting down cinema halls, malls, gyms, clubs, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment parks and bars in the state until further orders.
An order undersigned by the Chief Secretary of Kerala said that in order to manage COVID-19 case numbers well below the coping capacity of the health system in the State, more stringent restrictions are warranted which include a prohibition on all social, political, cultural and religious functions or gatherings and a holiday for all Government or Quasi-Government offices and Public Sector Undertakings on Saturdays until further orders.
The order reads, "In religious places, people can be allowed for worship with two-meter social distance restricted to a maximum of 50 persons. All meetings (Government or private) should take place through online mode only. Cinema halls, malls, gymnasiums, clubs, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment parks and bars shall remain shut, until further orders."
"Only election-related counting arrangements, essential and emergency services shall allow on May 1 and May 2. Officials on Election Duty, Candidates, Counting Agents and Media representatives only will allow (at the counting centers) on May 2," said the order adding that it made mandatory for the above category of people to produce either the final vaccination certificate after taking two doses of vaccination or a negative RT-PCR test report obtained within 72 hours of the start of counting.
A maximum of fifty people only allowed in marriages that can have a maximum duration of about 2 hours and a maximum of twenty people in funerals. "Marriage events should register in the 'Event Registration' module of Covid 19 Jagratha Portal in advance," it said.
Meanwhile, Shops and restaurants should close by 7.30 pm (take away and home delivery can continue till 9 pm). According to the guideline, all shops or restaurants shall minimise interaction with customers/in-house dining. Only bare minimum time will allow for the customers in shops. According to Union Health Ministry, Kerala has 2,19,221 active COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, a total of 11,81,324 recoveries reported. The death toll in the state touched 5,110 with 30 deaths since 8 am on Monday.
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