Kerala eases lockdown despite 106 Covid-19 positive cases in six days

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has added more lockdown exemptions in various sectors in the wake of the Centre's latest guidelines for the fourth phase, even as the influx of Keralites from other states and abroad continued and with it a noticeable rise in the number of positive cases.
Since May 13 when the state recorded 10 positive cases to May 18 when it rose to 29, there has been a surge in positive cases, which was largely expected but remains a potential threat factor.
The state has also allowed public transport in a restricted manner with an increased travel fare to compensate the shortage of passengers due to implementation of social distancing norms.
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said public transport, including water transport, will be permitted in 50% seating capacity of the vehicle within the district. In buses, only 24 passengers (against a seating capacity of 48) will be allowed at a time.
The government has allowed a hike in bus fare to compensate for the revenue loss to bus operators. The motor vehicles department has put up at least six different proposals to hike the fare and give reduction in road taxes and the government is expected to take a call on them soon. Inter-district travel will be permitted to neighbouring districts without any special pass from 7am to 7pm. Exemption will be given to those who could not complete the trip by 7pm despite starting early.
However, one should take permission from police stations or district collectors for travel to far-off places. In all these travels, those serving in the essential services sector will be exempted.
Those travelling regularly to other districts for work will have to obtain a special travel pass from police or district collectors. However, there will be stingent regulations for entry into containment zones. Permission will also be given to those stuck in work locations and students to return home.
In all private vehicles, including taxis, two other persons can travel in addition to drivers. In autorickshaws, only one person will be allowed in addition to the driver. But, in case of a family, three persons can travel in addition to the driver in both taxis as well as autorickshaws.
The rules and regulations in force as part of lockdown will have to be strictly followed.
Violating lockdown rules punishable: CM
Anyone violating lockdown restrictions will be penalised under Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, IPC Section 188 and other relevant rules,” Vijayan said.
Government employees can travel to the nearest districts using their identity cards. All government employees who are stuck in various places because of lockdown should return to their workplaces within two days.
Those who are unable to travel should report to the district collector concerned. The district collector should utilise their services for Covid-19 related activities in the district collectorate or local body.
The general restrictions imposed in the central guidelines will continue to be in force in the state as well. These include cinema halls, metro, educational institutions, shopping malls, gymnasiums, swimming pools and religious institutions.