Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala government on Monday eased the lockdown restrictions further by allowing people to take morning walk in public places between 5am and 7am and evening walk between 7pm and 9 pm with strict adherence to social distancing protocols.
Kerala has been under lockdown since May 8 to check the rapid spread of COVID-19. However, the government had announced various relaxations time to time as the situation improved in the state.
The curbs on inter-district travel will continue, and those venturing outdoors should carry an affidavit showing the purpose of travel. Police surveillance and checking will continue as usual despite relaxing the lockdown, the Chief Minister's Office informed on Monday.
The government has directed the police to act against those violating the lockdown norms.
Meanwhile, the government denied permission to resume the operation of stationery shops.
Entry to textile, footwear and jewellery shops will be limited to those purchasing for weddings. People will have to show wedding invitation card to enter the shops. Home delivery of these products will be allowed.
Other relaxations:
• Government employees who are exempted from lockdown, staff needed for responding to the questions in the assembly and conducting exams are asked to report at their offices.
• The State Secretariat will resume functioning with 50 per cent of its total staff strength.
• All public sector offices, companies and central-state government offices are allowed to function with 50 percent staff on a rotation basis from June 7.
• Banks and financial institutions can function till 5pm.
• Hotels and restaurants can offer parcel service from 7 am to 7.30 pm. Dining-in is not allowed. Home delivery is permitted till 9 pm.
• Shops selling essential items and food materials can function from 7 am to 7 pm.
• Establishments selling academic textbooks, items for weddings, jewellery, and footwear can function till 5 pm.
• Centres offering farm-related services, equipment and machinery can function between 7 am and 12 noon.
• Recurring deposit (RD) scheme agents are allowed to travel to the post office on Monday for remitting the collection amount.
• Shops repairing refrigerators can function.
• Industrial units (including in coir and cashew sectors) can function with 50 per cent of their total employee strength.
• Weddings that were decided in advance could be held with a maximum of 20 guests in attendance.
• As many as 20 people are allowed to attend funerals.
• Norms relaxed for Horticorp and Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council.
• Toddy shops can offer parcel services. Government-run liquor outlets and bars will remain closed.
• Optical shops, establishments selling hearing aids, prostheses and other assistive devices can function
• Gas stove repair shops, establishments offering mobile phone and computer repair services will be open.
• Centres providing raw packing materials to industrial units can function till 5 pm.
• Banks and other financial establishments will be closed on June 1 (Tuesday).
