Thiruvananthapuram: Despite an improvement in the COVID-19 situation in Kerala, the state government has decided to continue with a partial lockdown on Sunday.
Restrictions were enforced on the last two Sundays as well when there was a surge in coronavirus cases.
Dubbed 'Sunday lockdowns', the restrictions have been effective not just in curtailing movement but also to ensure that public gatherings are held sparsely and infrequently, the government had said recently.
Like on the past two Sundays, only essential services will be allowed on February 6.
The government has also urged people to avoid needless travel during the weekends.
Travel will only be permitted in the case of emergencies and for the procurement of essential items or services. Documents to this effect must be produced when asked by authorities.
Even while these restrictions remain, the district-wise restrictions will continue as usual.
After logging over a lakh fresh cases on the first two days of the month, there has been a dip in daily cases. In the last three days, Kerala has reported more recoveries than new cases. On Saturday, 33,538 cases were reported in Kerala.
Likely restrictions and guidelines:
* Only 20 persons will be allowed to attend marriages and death-related functions on Sunday.
* Shops selling essential items such as milk, newspaper, fish, meat, fruits and vegetables and provision will be open only from 7 am to 9 pm
* Those working in the essential service sectors (such as police, fire force, media, govt officials, health workers etc.) can travel with their employment identity cards.
* Medical stores, media establishments, telecom, Internet services and ambulance services will function full time.
* Sanitation workers are also allowed to work.
* Emergency travel is allowed. But documents proving the emergency nature should be produced.
* Travel for hospital visits and for vaccination purposes are allowed.
* Only parcel services will be available in hotels and bakeries from 7 am to 9 pm. No one will be served food at hotels and restaurants.
* There will be no changes in the scheduled examinations. Hall-ticket and ID cards should be produced.
* Long-distance buses and trains will ply.
* Those who travel to airports and railway stations can use their private vehicles. Keep the ticket in hand.
* Tourists are allowed to travel to their hotel or resort with stay vouchers. Pre-booked tourist cars and taxis are allowed.
* Workshops can open in emergency situations.
* There is no bar for visiting hotels, resorts and tourist places if you have made advance booking in these places.
* Liquor shops will not open.
* Toddy shops (now listed under essential items after new rule) will be open from 9 am to 7 pm.
