Kerala govt announces total lockdown from May 8 to 16

As it grapples with the continued surge in COVID-19 cases, the Kerala government announced on Thursday a total lockdown would be enforced in the state from May 8 (Saturday) to May 16.

The Chief Minister's Office tweeted, "As directed by the CM, the entire State of Kerala will be under lockdown from 6am on 8 May to 16 May. This is in the background of a strong 2nd wave of COVID-19."

Kerala reported its highest COVID-19 case count on Wednesday, seeing 41,953 new cases. The test positivity rate was nearly 26 per cent.

Onmanorama had reported the Kerala government was considering implementing a full lockdown as 'mini lockdowns', involving restrictions in containment zones, were found to be ineffective. A police report submitted to the Director General of Police said 80 per cent of the people were venturing outdoors unnecessarily, offering lame excuses when questioned.

The Kerala government had tightened restrictions on movement from May 4 to 9.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that essential services will be allowed to operate freely in the state during the lockdown. Also besides state government agencies like Consumerfed and Supplyco, political parties, NGOs, Overseas Malayalee Associations registered abroad and private agencies will be allowed to function as relief agencies.

Minister for Transport A.K. Saseendran confirmed that the state had no other option but to go for total lockdown given the surge. “This is the only way out and it will only benefit all of us. So all have to abide by it and stay home,” said Saseendran.

President of the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association, Vijayakrishnan said there is no way out other than for strict lockdown.

The IMA State wing also had wanted tough protocols, but an all party meeting held last week however decided to wait and was against declaring a total lockdown.