Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala began to unlock in a graded manner from Thursday after a significant decline in daily-reported cases. The state government has, however, made it clear that complete lockdown will continue on weekends. Interestingly, the government has dropped plans to launch the BevQ app for liquor purchase and asked people to adhere to COVID-19 safety norms while buying liquor.
The easing of guidelines was announced by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday. Vijayan said that the unlock process will take place in a graded manner basis the COVID-19 situation in districts.
During the week, public transport has been allowed to operate partially even as shops selling essential goods have been allowed to remain open from 7 am-7 pm from today.
Following the state government’s decision to ease the restrictions, Kerala police issued guidelines allowing unrestricted tourists to visit places where the COVID-19 positivity rate is below 8 per cent.
“A pass is not required to travel to and from the locations where restriction are relaxed (where TPR is less than 8 per cent) and where partial lockdown exist But passengers should carry the filled self affidavit,” guidelines issued by Kerala Director general of police (DGP) Lokanath Behera said.
A pass will however be needed to travel to those areas where a complete lockdown exists and the police have simplified the process of obtaining passes by asking people to visit the nearest police station and submitting the application on plain paper.
Government drops BevQ app
The authorities have urged people to not gather in crowds near liquor stores and appealed that COVID-19 guidelines such as social distancing, masks should be adhered to. The police have also been directed to intensify patrolling around such areas.
Meanwhile, in yet another update, the state government has dropped the plan to introduce the BevQ App for purchasing liquor. Citizens have been asked to buy liquor from permitted outlets. The outlets will remain closed on weekends. Bars are not allowed to serve food or liquor within their premises.
