TPR refuses to reduce in Kerala, resulting in yet another weekend lockdown.
As part of the efforts to reduce the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) of COVID-19, Kerala will be placed under lockdown with strict restrictions this weekend, July 3-4. Even though new cases are decreasing in other states, Kerala remains a source of concern. In recent days, the southern state has topped the list of daily cases reported, with TPR still hovering around 10%.
Curbs imposed by reclassifying local areas based on the TPR will remain in effect on Friday. The restrictions will be in effect for one week.
On Friday, banks and financial institutions will be open for business. Ration shops will be open from 8.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.
On Saturday and Sunday, private bus service will be prohibited. The KSRTC will provide limited services to those involved in the essential services sector.
Places of worship can be opened in areas with low TPR, but only 15 people are allowed to enter.
Restrictions at the local level
Curbs are now imposed by classifying local areas into A, B, C, and D. Areas with an average TPR of less than 6% fall into the ‘A’ category, those with 6-12% fall into the ‘B’ category, those with 12-18% fall into the ‘C’ category, and those with more than 18% fall into the ‘D’ category.
* Category A (Normal operation) – All stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. only. Private businesses will be permitted to operate.
* Category B (Partial lockdown) – Only shops selling essential items are permitted. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Other stores will only be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Private businesses will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Autorickshaws are permitted to provide services.
* Category C (Lockdown) – Only stores selling necessities (7am to 7pm). Other stores will be open only on Fridays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
* Category D (Triple lockdown) – Areas to be divided into containment zones and strict curbs imposed if necessary. People who go out for non-essential needs will be fined and have legal action taken against them.
Kerala recorded 12,868 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases reported by the state since the beginning of the year to 29,37,033. With 124 deaths reported on Thursday, the state’s death toll from the pandemic now stands at 13,359. On Thursday, the TPR was 10.30% after 1,24,886 samples were tested in the previous 24 hours.
