Coronavirus: Kerala announces lockdown across all districts till March 31
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday announced a complete lockdown in the state amid a coronavirus outbreak. The decision comes as Kerala reported 28 new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), taking the total cases in the state to 95, the highest for any Indian state. As part of the lockdown, the state will shut all borders. Here are more details.
Lockdown effective from tonight; lasts until March 31 midnight
According to ANI, the lockdown will be imposed across all 14 districts of Kerala from Monday night and will last till midnight on March 31. Reportedly, no public transport including private and KSRTC buses will be operational. All places of worship will remain shut. Private vehicles will be allowed to run with restrictions, the CM said according to Mathrubhumi.
Food, medicine, water, electricity, etc., to be ensured
Water, electricity, telecom, essential food and medicine services will be ensured to the public, the CM said. Shops, medical stores, fuel stations, and LPG services will remain operational under the lockdown. CM Vijayan said that other than pharmacies, all shop timings will be restricted from 7 am-5 pm (11 am-5 pm for Kasaragod). Banks will function from 11 am to 2 pm.
Bars shut; restaurants open for home deliveries only
Earlier, Kerala had shut bars across the state, however, the CM said Monday that Beverages Corporation Ltd. (BevCO) outlets that sell liquor will remain open. Dine-in facilities at restaurants will be suspended, but home deliveries will be allowed.
Kasaragod faces stricter curbs; CM threatens arrest for leaving home
According to The News Minute, camps will be set up for migrant workers, who will also be provided with food and medical examinations. People under quarantine will be provided with food and other items at home (only applicable to those in need). For Kasaragod specifically, where 38 cases have been reported, the CM warned people can be arrested for leaving their homes.
People in quarantine to be tracked, warns CM
Speaking on people breaking quarantine, Vijayan said, "Their phone details will be taken from the telecom service providers. We will be able to know if they move out. Neighbors of such people can also help officials," TNM reported.
Out of 28 new cases, 19 reported in Kasaragod alone
On Monday, Kerala reported 28 new cases of COVID-19. According to Mathrubhumi, 25 of these cases involve returnees from Dubai. Among the 28 cases, 19 are from Kasaragod, 5 are from Kannur, 2 are from Ernakulam, and one each are from Pathanamthitta and Thrissur districts. The total cases across the state are 98, out of which, four patients have recovered and have been discharged.
64,321 people across Kerala under medical observation
Reportedly, 64,321 people across Kerala are under observation. Out of these, 63,937 are under home quarantine and 383 in hospitals. Among those in hospitals, 120 were admitted on Monday. At least 4,291 samples were sent for COVID-19 tests on Monday; 2,987 returned negative.
Across India, coronavirus cases jump to 433; 7 deaths
According to the Union Health Ministry, a total of 433 coronavirus cases have been reported in India. These include 23 patients who have been cured/discharged, one patient who has migrated out of India, and seven deaths. The fatalities are one in Kalaburagi (Karnataka), one in Delhi, two in Mumbai (Maharashtra), one in Nawanshahr district (Punjab), one in Surat (Gujarat), and one in Patna (Bihar).
