IMA directs Kerala to withdraw its order easing Covid restrictions

New Delhi, July 19: After the Kerala government relaxed the lockdown due to Bakrid even though covid continues to surge in the state, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has now written a letter to Pinarayi Vijayan led govt and slammed them for this decision. In the letter, it also asked govt to withdraw its decision.

 

 

The medical Association also termed the decision as "unwarranted and inappropriate" at a time of a medical emergency. The IMA added that many northern states have stopped traditional and popular pilgrimage yatras in view of the pandemic, it is unfortunate that Kerala took a decision that will pave the way for mass gatherings. It should be worth to be noted that last week Uttarakhand govt took the bold step and suspended the Kanwar Yatra in the state.

 

“With the dedicated and committed services of the Government and the Modern medical fraternity, today we are in the declining phase of the second wave throughout the country, except in few states like Kerala and Maharashtra where we are still having the high number of cases,” IMA said.

 

“IMA is pained to see amidst the rise of cases and seropositivity, the Kerala government has issued an order to ease out lockdown followed in the state on the pretext of religious gatherings of Bakri Id. It is unwarranted and inappropriate at this time of Medical emergency,” it added.

 

 

 

 

Also Read | Inviting third wave? Amid the health crisis in the state, Kerala relaxes lockdown restrictions due to Eid-ul-Azham 

 

On Saturday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan relaxed the lockdown for three days due to the Bakrid (Eid-ul-Azha). Vijayan on Saturday said that in view of Bakrid (Eid-ul-Azha) being celebrated on July 21 in the state, textiles, footwear shops, jewelry, fancy stores, shops selling home appliances and electronic items, all types of repairing shops and shops selling essential items shall be allowed to open on July 18, 19 and 20 from 7 am to 8 pm in category A, B, and C areas.

 

 

 

 

According to the health minister, the state is reporting over 10,000 COVID-19 cases on a daily basis. Two districts, Malappuram and Kozhikode, reported more than 2,000 cases on Saturday (17 July). Apart from the Coronavirus, the state is also hit by th Zika virus. In just one week, at least 28 people have tested positive for the Zika virus in the state. The central government has also rushed the health experts team to Kerala.

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