Kerala: Lockdown begins, CM seeks strict implementation of norms

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state came under complete lockdown from Saturday morning to contain the massive spread of Covid. The restrictions came into force by 6am and would be extended up to May 16 midnight. The police enforced strict curbs across the state on the on-road movement of people. Strict screening has been enforced at state borders also.
With the state reporting 41,971 new Covid cases and test positivity rate touching 28.25% during the day, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan called for strict implementation of Covid protocols.
The CM said most people were cooperating with enforcing agencies and have stopped coming out. “E-pass facility has started and those who are not having valid identity cards should carry the e-pass from Sunday onwards. Those who are going for purchasing groceries or other essentials will have to carry a self-written affidavit. The format of the affidavit and e-pass form are available on the state police’s website,’’ said the CM.
On the first day of the lockdown, police let off passengers in vehicles who had come out without valid reasons with a warning in several places.
However, police have made it clear that stringent punishment is on the cards from Sunday onwards if people come out unnecessarily.
A homeless person having a meal handed out by a charity group while a passer-by clicks his picture in Kochi on Saturday. The homeless are facing a tough time finding food during the Covid restrictions
5,961 cases registered
For violating Covid restrictions, police registered 5,961 cases on Saturday. As many as1,405 people were arrested and 613 vehicles were seized. A total of 21,534 incidents of people not wearing masks were also reported in the state. For violating quarantine rules, 24 cases were registered.
According to the state police chief, those who are not able to get the e-pass online can apply for the same from the nearest police station.A