Despite Covid surge no lockdown in Kerala: Pinarayi
April 22, 2021 00:15
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that lockdown will not be implemented for now in the state, which witnessed the highest single day surge of Covid-19 cases, but there would be strict restrictions, especially in districts where the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) is high.
He said the LDF government has increased and improved the 'surge capacity' (to handle excess cases) of the health system and spelt out a series of measures to check spread of the virus, including setting up a Covid First Line Treatment Centre in each taluk.
"All taluks will have at least one CFLTC. In areas with more that 35 per cent TPR, interventions on a war footing will be made," he said.
The CM said 50 per cent of government employees would work on a rotation basis and the others, from home.
"Private sector employers should also provide work from home facilities to their employees. April 24 will be a holiday for all offices in the state, as also banks and Public Sector Undertakings, but the ongoing higher secondary exams would go on as per schedule," he said.
On April 24 and 25, only emergency services will function in the state, Vijayan said.
He said functions which had been decided earlier like marriages and house warming sessions can be held on the days fixed, but with the stipulated number of 75 attendees.
"All educational institutions, including tuition centres, will remain closed but online classes can be held. Beaches, parks, bus stations, airports and markets should function only as per strict health protocol," he said.
Kerala reported the highest single day surge of Covid-19 cases on Wednesday with 22,414 infections, including 105 health workers, while the toll touched 5,000 with 22 deaths.
The previous high was on April 20 with 19,577 cases.
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