Curbs to continue for those coming from outside Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government on Monday announced more lockdown relaxations, including bus services connecting neighbouring districts and indoor film and television shoots, but extended the curbs in containment zones till June 30 in line with the central guidelines.
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state's stand on further relaxations would be conveyed to the Centre before June 8, when more announcements in this regard are expected. He, however, said the inter-district bus services need not wait till June 8.
Also, passengers will be allowed to travel in all seats in buses, which means there will not be any fare hike. All passengers will have to wear masks and sanitisers should be provided in buses.
The Centre had given its guidelines for a phased exit from lockdown but had given freedom to the states in some matters based on the disease spread in each state.
"The state government has examined the central guidelines. In some of them, a decision will be taken in consultation with the Centre," Vijayan said.
The chief minister said the state could not allow large gatherings in the wake of the rise in cases. "Among those coming out for gatherings in the state, a majority are senior citizens who represent cultural organisations and political organisations. If the government permits crowds during such gatherings, the reverse quarantine will become a failure," he said.
The containment zones will remain under a curfew-like situation and people will be allowed out only for attending funeral of close relatives. Those coming from outside the state should register themselves on the state's Covid Jagratha portal and obtain an entry pass.
Film/TV shootings will be permitted inside studios and indoor locations but there cannot be more than 50 persons in a film shooting unit and more than 25 persons in a TV shooting unit.