Kerala: State Govt Introduces Prohibitory Orders to Halt Surge of COVID-19 Cases

Amid the tireless efforts of the Health Department and state government to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the state, Kerala witnessed the highest single day spike on Friday, October 2, with 9,258 cases.

As the state had 77,482 active cases as of Friday- third highest across the country- prohibitory orders came into force across the state on Saturday morning to contain its further spread. As per the prohibitory order, not more than five people can assemble at any place, including banks, shops and commercial establishments.

There is no restriction on movement of public transport and government institutions, commercial establishments, industries and hospitals can function adhering to social distancing and break the chain protocols.

While in Idukki, only town areas, including the tourist hotspot of Munnar, Adimali and Vandiperiyar, the CrPC Section 144 order will come into force. In Kasaragod district, the order would be implemented till October 9. In the remaining 12 districts, the prohibitory orders would be in place till the month end.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan warned that those flouting the new restrictions will face stringent action. While visiting shops, people should wear masks and gloves, ensure social distancing, and if they fail to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols, they will have to face action, Vijayan said speaking at an online function on Saturday morning.

Though the people had strictly been following the protocols, some have compromised even amid that, Vijayan said, adding that “we should be more vigilant for the society.”

Earlier the experts had warned a surge in cases in September. The situation in the state is serious with a high density of population- 860 people per sq km- with 15% of total population is above 65 years of age, the health experts warn.

Though the first case in the state had been reported on January 30, the state had managed the first and second wave of virus pretty well. But the situation in the state changed in September. “Among the total of 2,13,499 cases, one lakh cases were added in less than 30 days,” said Indian medical association (IMA) Kerala chapter president Dr Rajeev Jayadevan.

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However, the death rate in the state is low at 0.38%. Of the 792 death cases reported till Friday, two thirds were of those with comorbidities- diabetes, hypertension or obesity- and of patients over 65 years of age. So far, COVID-19 had claimed 791 lives in the state. The total infection tally has soared to 2.12 lakh as of Friday.

“We expected this hike. Due to our effective intervention it was delayed. Some of our neighbouring states reported the virus almost a month after the state reported its first case. The state is fully prepared. What we need is more care and alert,” said state Health Minister K K Shailaja.

Earlier, in an all-party meeting, it was decided that total lockdown could not be imposed across the state further. Instead of that, the state government has imposed prohibitory orders as a step to curtail the rising number of cases.

The Congress-led opposition United Democratic Front which had been conducting mass protests has already announced that they would not conduct any kind of mass protests and gatherings until the situation improves. Many who had been the part of mass protests have tested positive as well.

While, in the order issued by Thiruvananthapuram district collector Navjot Khosa, more than five people cannot gather in public places in the entire district, where till now 36,433 people have been infected with COVID-19 and 12,223 are presently undergoing treatment.

As a further surge in COVID-19 cases is imminent and with category B and C patients, who need hospitalisation and intensive care, increasing and strict prohibitions need to be put in place, failing which it will seriously endanger human lives in large numbers, the collector said in the order. Khosa stated that the District Medical Officer had informed that in the event of unmanageable surge, the health infrastructure of the district will be overwhelmed which can lead to high mortality.

Within containment zones any congregation or public functions (indoor and outdoor) of more than five people will not be allowed, except for marriages and funerals, where upto 20 people will be permitted, the collector said. The movement of people inside and outside containment zones will not be permitted except for medical emergencies and maintaining supply of essential goods and services. Outside the containment zones, marriages can be conducted with the participation of 50 people, subject to people following strict COVID-19 protocols. All public examinations which were announced before October 2 will be conducted as per schedule.

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(With Inputs from PTI)