THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ongoing lockdown in the state has been extended till June 16 with stricter restrictions on June 12 and 13. The order in this regard was issued after the state Covid review meeting headed by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday.
The decision to extend lockdown was taken in view of the assessment that the impact of the pandemic continues to be severe, despite all the restrictions currently in place. Shops and establishments that sell essential commodities, raw materials for industries and construction materials would be allowed to function till June16. Banks would continue to follow the current working schedule by functioning on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Stationary shops, jewelleries, footwear shops, textiles and optical shops would have permission to function only on June 11 that too from 7am to 7pm, the chief minister office informed. Government, government undertakings, public sector units, corporations and commission can resume operations with 50% staff strength, from June 17 onwards. Private hospitals would be given necessary help to carry out the vaccination drive. Their service would be utilized to ramp up the drive. Vehicle showrooms would be given permission to function on June 11 for maintenance works. No other activities, including sale of vehicles, would be allowed.
In view of the high court’s recommendation, lawyers and other employees attached to the HC would be included in the vaccine priority category. Private bus workers would also be included in the priority list.
The chief minister said the vaccination of the elderly population has registered impressive growth and the special drive would soon be completed. The chief minister has also directed the expert medical committee and the health department to find out whether the service of respiratory therapists are to be ensured in hospitals where C category Covid patients are treated.
In the review meeting it has been decided to closely monitor the Covid infection in children. Since Covaxin is yet to get the approval of foreign countries, the foreign travel plans of several people are in limbo. The government would explore options to address this issue.
Revenue certificates needed for some students to apply for NEET examination would be provided online, through e-district portal. All examinations in the state would start only after June 16, the CM said.
