As Covid-19 cases rise, Kerala bans gathering of more than 5 people

Kerala's COVID-19 tally crossed the grim milestone of two lakh Thursday as the state reported 8,135 fresh cases

As Covid-19 cases continue to surge, the Kerala government Thursday announced a ban on the assembly of more than five persons. The ban under Section 144 of the CrPC comes into effect from Saturday and will continue till the end of this month.

This, in effect, will halt all social and political events in the state in October. It would also nullify the directive in the latest unlock guidelines allowing gatherings of up to 100 persons outside containment zones.

District Magistrates were directed to use the relevant provisions and orders under Section 144, CrPC to control the spread of the disease. Strict restrictions shall be imposed in containment zones and in specific areas where the spread of the disease is apprehended.

After initial success, Kerala’s Covid-19 situation now critical on most parameters

On Thursday, the total number of Covid-19 cases reported in Kerala crossed two lakh, with 8,135 fresh cases on Thursday. The state has now 72,339 active cases—the third highest number among all states.

Among the states which have 2 lakh-plus Covid-19 cases, Kerala is in the ninth slot. The share of active cases is at 34 percent and still climbing. For comparison, the national average figure is 14.9 per cent.

Last week, Chhattisgarh and Jammu and Kashmir had the largest share of active cases among states and Union Territories, but the active case share in both places have now fallen to 27 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively.

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