THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The
health department has sought stringent measures in districts where more Covid-19 cases are being reported. A report in this regard has been submitted to the chief minister and a decision on detailed guidelines on the new restrictions is likely to be made soon.
A review report on Covid-19 prepared by the health department has said that there has been an increase in the absolute number of new cases reported per week in five districts - Ernakulam,
Kozhikode,
Kottayam,
Pathanamthitta and Kollam – between December 9 and January 25. Thiruvananthapuram, Wayanad and Kannur have also witnessed a slight increase in cases.
The department has suggested that public transport should be reduced to 50% seat capacity, offices be allowed to function only with 50% capacity in clusters and containment zones, working hours of markets and shops to be allowed only upto 7 pm and no cinema shows to be permitted in five districts. Suggestions to delay the opening of educational institutions until the pandemic is in a declining phase have also been made.
It has also been mooted to restrict attendance at marriages and funerals, besides reducing the capacity of in-house dining in cafes and restaurants to 50%. It says there should be strict enforcement of measures like masks and social distancing at shops, offices, and other public places.
The report states that in
Ernakulam district, daily cases have soared, from 3,882 on December 9 to 6,078 by the end of the month. In Pathanamthitta, the cases started peaking after December second week while a similar increase has been reported in Kozhikode, Kottayam and Kollam.
The report has suggested enhancing prevention measures, early identification of clusters, besides undertaking inspections and audits. It also stresses the need for hygiene in the workplace, shops and healthcare institutions.
Strict restrictions on social gatherings and functions even in public places have been suggested. Enforcement of zone-wise or region-wise containment strategies at clusters has also been mooted. It says the restrictions should be enforced with the help of sectoral magistrates.