Thiruvananthapuram: With the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) of COVID-19 remaining above 10 per cent in Kerala, lockdown with strict restrictions would be enforced in Kerala during this weekend.
Even as new cases show a decline in other states, Kerala still poses a concern. In the last few days, the southern state has been topping the list of daily cases reported with TPR still hovering around the 10 per cent mark.
Private bus service will remain barred on Saturday and Sunday. The KSRTC will operate limited services for those in the essential services sector.
Places of worship can be opened in areas where TPR is low, but entry is permitted only for 15 people.
Local restrictions
Curbs are now being imposed by categorising the local areas into A, B, C, and D. Areas with an average TPR less than 6 per cent will be in the ‘A’ category, those with 6-12 per cent in the ‘B’ category, 12-18 per cent in ‘C’ and those above 18 per cent in ‘D’.
* Category A (Normal functioning) - All shops to open from 7am to 7pm only. Private firms will be allowed to operate.
* Category B (Partial lockdown) - Only shops selling essential times. Timing from 7am to 7pm. Other shops only to open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7am to 7pm. Private firms to function on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Autorickshaws are allowed to conduct services.
* Category C (Lockdown) - Only shops selling essential items (7am to 7pm). Other shops only to open on Friday from 7am to 7pm.
* Category D (Triple lockdown) – If required, areas to be divided into containment zones and strict curbs to be imposed. If people step out for non-essential needs, they will be slapped with fine and legal steps taken.
Kerala recorded 12,095 fresh COVID-19 cases on Friday, pushing the infection count to 29,49,128, while the toll rose to 13,505 with 146 more deaths.
In the last 24 hours ending 2pm, 1,19,659 samples were tested and the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) was 10.11 per cent.
