Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is likely to do away with the total lockdown on Saturday.
The complete lockdown on Sunday will not be lifted, Manorama News reported.
The details of the new Covid containment strategy, which will come into effect from this week, are likely to be announced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the state assembly on Wednesday.
The decision was made during a review meeting chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday evening.
The government is also likely to revise its lockdown strategy based on test positivity rates.
Containment measures will be made stringent in local bodies based on the percentage of Covid patients in its total population.
Shops will be permitted to open on all days, except Sunday.
The prolonged Covid-related restrictions on outdoor activities, trade and transport had drawn flak.
SC guidelines crucial
Amid widespread demand for revising the myriad forms of lockdown, the Left Democratic Front government is treading cautiously to ensure that the relaxations are not contrary to the Supreme Court's directives on the issue.
The COVID-19 expert committee, which has been set up by the government, had recommended a change in the TPR-based restrictions while pointing out these were unscientific.
The apex court had strongly criticized the lockdown relaxations announced in the State ahead of Eid al-Adha.
The Chief Secretary, departmental heads of the home, health, revenue, local self-government, and disaster management were instructed to submit recommendations that do not violate the SC guidelines.
No change in decision to open shops: Naseeruddin
The umbrella organisation of traders had asserted that the association will not back down from the decision to open all shops in the State from August 9 irrespective of the Government guidelines in force.
"The government has been given enough time. The package announced for the traders is a farce,” Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi state president T Naseeruddin stated.