Thiruvananthapuram: Twelve new cases of COVID-19 were reported today in Kerala, taking the total number of cases in the state to 40. Though the government is saying that the community transmission is not there, tougher measures are being taken to prevent spread of the virus.
In a bid to stop the spread of the virus the Chief Minister said that the state would fully observe Janatha Curfew called by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, said that out of the 12 new cases, six are from Kasaragod district, five from Kochi and one from Palakkad.
Government has ordered a near shut down of Kasaragod district after six were identified with the virus. Government offices will be shut for a week and all places of worship and clubs will be shut down for two weeks. Even shops and bars will function from 11 am to 5 pm only.
Pinarayi Vijayan said that the behaviour of some people who are not following the restrictions and guidelines is becoming a matter of concern. One patient in Kasaragod after coming from abroad attended functions, public meetings and even a football match.
In addition, all the public exams by the state have been postponed in view of the rising COVID-19 cases. Earlier, the Chief Minister was adamant that the exams would not be postponed. His decision came under heavy criticism from the public. Student organization like ABVP also strongly objected to the Chief Minister’s decision. However, his change of mind has come as a relief to the students and parents.
