Follow Janata curfew beyond 9 p.m, says Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, March 22 (IANS) The Kerala government on Sunday extended the time of Janata Curfew beyond the earlier announced 9 p.m, Sunday, to contain the spread of coronavirus, but the office of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed no decision has been taken to close down affected districts.

State Chief Secretary Tom Jose came out with an advisory that there should be no crowding of people after the curfew ends at 9 p.m.

“… There need be no worry of food items. Also it should be noted that the general norm is there should be no assembly of more than 5 people at a particular place. All such details will soon be decided,” he said.

Incidentally this directive came minutes after the Centre’s decision came allowing only essential services in about 75 districts in the country with confirmed Covid-19 cases.

State Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekheran said they are seized of the Centre’s directive and the decision of what needs to be done will be taken by Chief Minister.

“As things stand now, there is no review meeting as announced earlier. Maybe in the light of fresh developments, the CM would take the call when to meet,” he said.

State Health Minister K.K.Shailaja told the media that the state is fully geared to meet all eventualities and have kept ready detailed plans on how to go about it.

As part of observing the Janata curfew, Kerala observed it in all sincerity with all remaining indoors and at 5 p.m at several places people came out in the open at their place of residence and were seen clapping hands to express their thanks to the heroes who are doing yeomen service to contain the spread of Covid-19.

–IANS

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