Kozhikode will return to normalcy today after weeks of Nipah scare.
Educational institutions, including Anganwadi and professional colleges, will reopen after 11 days of online classes.
However, the schools and colleges in the containment zones will remain closed and continue to function online. All the wards in the Feroke Municipality and some in the Kozhikode Corporation remain as containment zones.
District Collector A Geetha has advised students from containment zones, who study beyond the restricted areas, to remain at their houses and continue online education.
As there have been no fresh Nipah cases for nine days in a row, the district administration has eased restrictions. All shops can operate till 8 pm while banks and treasuries are allowed to function till 2 pm.
Nine grama panchayats in the Vadakara Taluk were exempted from the containment zones a few days ago.
Don't forget masks, use sanitizers
A joint social media notice issued by the Health Department and the National Health Mission has reminded students to wear masks and sanitize their hands. Students with symptoms of fever, cold or throat pain have been advised to remain at home.
Healthcare worker tests negative
On Sunday, five more tests turned negative, including on a healthcare worker, said Health Minister Veena George during an online review meeting.
The lady staff's sample had been sent for a Nipah test as she was on the contact list of an infected person and had a fever. The minister has urged those in isolation to remain so for 21 days.
In total, 915 people, who were on contact lists of Nipah-infected people, are in isolation. The conditions of those under treatment after contracting the virus are stable, the minister said.
No clarity over suspended public functions
Late at night on September 13, the district disaster management authority suspended all public functions and gatherings in the district for 10 days.
That period lapsed by Friday and the order should have been automatically revoked. However, an official confirmation has yet to be provided.
Responding to the matter, the Additional District Magistrate told mediapersons on Sunday that all restrictions would remain until further notice.
Religious events, including temple festivals and church feasts, should be conducted with minimal participation, the advisory issued on September 13 reminded. Marriages and receptions that are already scheduled should be held as per the protocol.
