Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said the Cabinet will consider on Thursday various options to ease the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in low-risk localities in a staggered manner.
Mr. Vijayan expressed concern that the Centre had not announced its relief package for States. “Let us hope it is in the offing,” he said. The threat of the epidemic persisted. The State could not afford the virulence to outpace its health infrastructure, he said.
Enhanced vigilance
The crucial period till April 20 required enhanced vigilance and rigorous imposition of social distancing norms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had flagged it in his address to the nation. The government received the guidelines issued by the Centre for imposing the second phase of the lockdown. He reiterated that easing the restrictions of lockdown and relaxing vigil could lead to a spurt in cases. After April 20, the State would have more latitude in modifying its lockdown measures in a region-specific manner.
No inter-district travel
However, the government would not allow public transport; gatherings of more than two people; and religious, social and sporting events. The clampdown on inter-State and inter-district travel would continue.
The government has already exempted farm and plantation workers from the shutdown. The public could expect more such exemptions as the lockdown progressed. However, the State would require more time to return to the pre-COVID-19 levels of normalcy.
NoRKs issue
The UAE government has commandeered buildings to house Non-Resident Keralites (NoRKs) requiring treatment or observation for COVID-19.
He said the State would ensure the unimpeded movement of raw materials to Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu for making match sticks. The government has informed the Karnataka government of the difficulties faced by Keralites who have leased arable land in the neighbouring State to farm ginger.
The Chief Minister asked the police to keep high vigil on railway tracks and trains used for maintaining the rolling stock, overhead electric and signal lines. He pointed out that people were illegally crossing into the State on trains coming to the State for signal maintenance. Three such persons, who are railway employees, had been found and put in quarantine. He asked the Railway Police to be more vigilant about such incidents.
The government had prioritised waste disposal and conservation of drinking water sources, he said.
Private stage carriage services have time till April 30 to remit their tax.
