Lockdown to be enforced strictly, says Kerala DGP

Kerala state police chief Loknath Behera on Tuesday said the lockdown will be strictly imposed and separate passes would be issued to those working in essential services. He also said that people should not venture out without a valid reason.

Thiruvananthapuram:With Kerala recording 28 positive cases of coronavirus on March 23, the highest on a single day in the state, the government on Tuesday said the lockdown imposed since Monday midnight would be enforced strictly and separate passes would be issued to those working in essential services.

"Passes will be provided for those who are under the exempted category like people working in medical shops or provisional stores. Others must not roam around," Kerala police chief Loknath Behera told reporters here.

The officer said there was no complete ban on taxis and they could move around for emergency services. "But those who are using their own vehicles should not venture out without a valid reason," the officer said.

Behera stressed the need for "self-imposed discipline" among people to ensure that they do not unnecessarily come out in public spaces.

"It's not that we are going to enforce for the sake of enforcement. It's for society and for all of us. People need to understand that. If they come out in large numbers in their private vehicles, we will stop them," he said.

Kerala decided to go in for a total lockdown from Monday midnight after 28 new positive cases were reported, the highest on a single day. As of now, a total of 91 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the state and over 64,000 are under surveillance.

(PTI)