Kerala announces complete lockdown from May 8

Kochi, May 06: Amid the rising COVID cases, the Kerala government announced a complete lockdown in the state from 6 AM on May 8 to contain the spread of the second wave of the COVID-19 virus. The 9-day-lockdown would come into force on May 8 morning and extend up to May 16.

 

Kerala Chief Minister Pinnaryi Vijayan made this announcement saying, "Kerala is going through a serious situation with COVID spreading rapidly in the state." He added, "The test positivity rate is not coming down.The situation calls for imposing more restrictions in the state."

 

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He further informed that the state government will soon issue a detailed guideline on what will be allowed and what will remain restricted during the lockdown period. He also directed the State Police media center to spread awareness in social media about COVID-19 guidelines.

 

 

 

The Chief Minister has also asked the banks in the state to stop all recovery proceedings because of the serious situation and informed that Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and Kerala Water Authority (KWA) have been asked to stop collecting the pending bill arrears for two months.

 

According to CM, Banks in the state will function till 2 pm (only till 1 pm for the public). Government offices, both state and central, handling only emergency services, will have to follow the Covid guidelines. Shops selling essential items will also remain open but overcrowding will invite punitive action. Only takeaways and home delivery will be allowed from hotels and restaurants. 

 

Kerala had reported the highest-ever single day spurt in positive cases on Wednesday adding 41,953 infections.

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