Thiruvananthapuram: The lockdown will continue until June 9, with strict restrictions in the state. The triple lockdown in the Malappuram district will be lifted from today. Earlier, the lockdown was extended till May 30. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that although the spread of the disease is generally declining, we have not reached the stage of deregulation. The CM also announced some concessions in the lockdown to provide essential activities to the public.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that to reach the first stage of unlocking, the number of patients in the hospital and the test positive rate should be further reduced. The use of ICU beds should be less than 60%. The average test passivity rate for three consecutive days should be less than 15%. Currently, more than 70 percent of ICU beds in government hospitals are in use.

The average test positivity rate for the last three days is 18 percent. There should be a seven-day reduction in the total number of people currently infected and the number of newly infected people. The CM said that only if all these criteria are met can the first phase of post-lockdown restrictions be lifted.

Concessions

All industries (including coir and cashew nuts) can be kept open with the required minimum number of employees (not exceeding 50%).

Institutions and shops that supply raw materials (including packaging) to industrial establishments may operate until 5 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Banks are open until 5 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Educational bookshops, wedding textiles, gold and footwear shops are open until 5 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Toddy will be delivered in parcels from toddy shops as per Covid protocol
Garbage storage areas will be provided two days a week to allow for change
RD collection agents will be allowed to pay at the post office two days a week
KSRTC will run more vehicles in areas where there are more factories
Those who have received the appointment order can go to the existing offices and join. For those who are not, the time will be extended.

Thiruvananthapuram: The central meteorological department has forecast that the monsoon will begin in the state from June 3.

KSEB and the Dam Safety Authority are making preparations for the dams as the monsoon approaches. As a precautionary measure, the spillway shutters of the dams are being opened and the water is flowing. The red alert has been declared only in the Moozhiyar dam.

Kavaratti: The ban on visitors to Lakshadweep will come into effect from today. Currently, visitors to the island on a visitor’s pass are required to leave the island within a week. Prior permission from the ADM is now required to visit the island.

Due to the current situation in Lakshadweep, various political leaders had sought permission to visit the island. The ADM can decide whether to renew the pass for those currently on the island. The visit ban to Lakshadweep comes amid widespread protests against administrative reforms by Administrator Praful Patel.

Thiruvananthapuram: The lockdown has been extended till June 9 in the state. In the current situation, it was decided at the high level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to extend the lockdown for another week with concessions. The Center had asked the state to continue the restrictions till the disease stabilization rate falls below 10 per cent.

Some shops and establishments will be allowed to open on special days. But the bars will not open soon. Mobile and television repair shops and opticals are allowed to open on Tuesdays and Saturdays. School and college students may be allowed to open shops selling notebooks and other study materials.

As the evaluation of various examinations begins, public transport will have to be sanctioned with restrictions. Official announcement of the lockdown extension and concessions will be announced this evening.

Thiruvananthapuram: Preference will be given to Co-operative Bank employees and gas agency employees in Covid vaccination. The Chief Minister’s Office said that Natika MLA CC Mukundan’s application in this regard has been forwarded to the Principal Secretary, Department of Health.