Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has extended the lockdown in the state till June 09 and the new guidelines will come into effect from May 31. Announcing the decision, Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan said, “Although the prevalence of the disease is declining significantly in the state, we have not yet reached a stage to remove restrictions. The lockdown will continue in all districts from May 31 to June 9.”
The average test positivity rate (TPR) in the State for the last three days is less than 20% in all the districts except Thiruvananthapuram (20.21%) and Palakkad (23.86%). In Malappuram district, the TPR has decreased from a peak of 31.53% on May 23 to 17.25%. In this context, the triple lockdown in the district will be withdrawn from May 30 but lockdown will continue. There are 212 LSG bodies in the state with TPR above 30% and 17 with TPR above 50%. Special inspections will be carried out at these local bodies.
As per the new lockdown guidelines, some concessions will be given to perform essential activities. All industrial establishments (including coir, cashew, etc.) can function with minimum employees not exceeding 50% of total strength. Shops and units supplying raw materials (including packaging) to industrial establishments may be open till 5.00 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Banks will remain open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with extended timings till 5 pm. Shops selling education books, textiles for weddings, jewellery and footwear will be open till 5 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Toddy sale will be allowed in parcels, following the Covid protocol.
The Chief Minister informed that more vaccine stock is expected in the first week of June and the vaccination drive will be intensified as per the availability. “We intend to do maximum vaccinations by June 15. Vaccination of inmates of old-age homes, those above 45 years of age in tribal colonies and bedridden patients will be done as soon as possible.”
23,513 new cases of Covid-19 were detected in Kerala today from 1,41,759 sample tests in the last 24 hours with a test positivity rate of 16.59%. Meanwhile, 198 recent deaths were confirmed today as caused by Covid and the related death toll in the state is now 8,455. Today, 28,100 patients have recovered from the disease and at present, there are 2,33,034 active cases in the State. Malappuram district still has the highest number of 3,990 new positive cases.