Lockdown relaxations include the reopening of indoor stadiums and gyms, as well as the revision of TPR-based slabs for local governments.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government announced additional lockdown relaxations on Tuesday. Indoor stadiums and gymnasiums will be allowed to operate at a maximum capacity of 20 people, according to the most recent notification.
On Tuesday, the government also relaxed restrictions on tourism centres. Guests who have been vaccinated may be allowed to stay in hotels and home stays in tourist areas. They must also pass a mandatory RTPCR test and be in possession of the certificate.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made the decision on Tuesday to ease further restrictions in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
TPR-based slab revisions
Meanwhile, the Kerala government revised the slabs for Local Self Bodies based on test positivity.
Category A: Less than 5%
5-10% for Category B
10% to 15% in Category C
Category D: More than 15%
Curbs will be based on the revised slabs that were released on Wednesday, July 7.
In Category A and B regions, government offices can operate at full capacity.
In Category C areas, government offices should operate at a 5-percentage-point capacity.
In categories A, B, C, and D, there are currently 82, 415, 362, and 175 local bodies, respectively.
The state health department and the Kerala Police had requested that the restrictions be extended until the end of July because the disease’s Test Positivity Rate (TPR) had not decreased.
During the review meeting on Monday, the Chief Minister directed the authorities in charge to specifically combat the disease’s spread in the northern districts. The health department has been asked to increase testing in the districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, and Collectors must ensure this.
Traders’ and industrialists’ demand
Traders and business owners have urged the government to relax existing restrictions. There is a strong desire to allow shops and financial institutions to remain open for longer periods of time on a greater number of days. Another major demand is to eliminate complete lockdown during the weekend.
The hotel owners’ association has asked for permission to allow dine-in at restaurants with a limited number of patrons. They also want permission to distribute parcels directly from the hotel rather than insist on home delivery.
The transportation industry is also looking for more leeway. They have requested permission to operate an increased number of buses and autorickshaws.
