Inviting third wave? Amid the health crisis in the state, Kerala relaxes lockdown restrictions due to Eid-ul-Azham
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Thiruvananthapuram, July 17: At a time when the other states are imposing the restrictions fearing the third wave, the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government has relaxed the lockdown restrictions for three days due to Eid-ul-Adha, even though onoging health crisis. According to the health minister, the state is reporting over 10,000 COVID-19 cases on a daily basis.
The state government said July 18-20 will see fewer restrictions allowing shops including textile, footwear, electronic, fancy, and jewellery to remain open till 8 pm. As per the government notification, this is applicable to A, B, and C category local self-government bodies.
"Lockdowns and restrictions will be relaxed on July 18, 19, and 20 in observance of Bakrid. These days, apart from shops selling essential items (groceries, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, bakery) in the A, B, and C categories, permission will be given to open clothing shops, shoe shops, electronics shops, fancy shops, and gold shops. They are allowed to stay open until 8 pm," the Kerala government stated in its order.
Yesterday Prime Minister Narendra Modi also slammed Kerala and Maharashtra CM and said that the rise in Covid cases in Maharashtra and Kerala is a matter of grave concern for the country.
"About 80 percent of the new cases have come from your states in the last week. Eighty-four percent of tragic deaths have also occurred in these states. Initially, experts were assuming that where the second wave originated, the situation would be under control much earlier than in other states. But cases are rising continuously in Maharashtra and Kerala. This is indeed a matter of serious concern for all of us and the country," PM told the CMs.
Notably, Kerala recorded 15,637 COVID-19 cases, 128 deaths, and 13,773 infections, and 87 more coronavirus deaths on July 14 and 15 respectively. Apart from Covid, the state is also hit by the Zika Virus. In just one week, the state has 28 persons who have been tested positive for the Zika virus.
Instead of taking steps strong steps to contain the health crisis in the state, the state government is relaxing the rules and giving the invitation to the third wave.
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