Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): The Kerala government has decided to impose strict lockdown from Thursday in regions where WIPR (Weekly Infection Population Ratio) is above eight percent. The decision was made at a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Wednesday.
WIPR is obtained by multiplying the number of COVID19 cases per week in a panchayat or ward to 1,000 and dividing it by the total population of the ward or panchayat. If the result is above eight, the panchayat will impose strict lockdown. Earlier, the decisions on lockdown restrictions were taken considering the Test Positivity Rate (TPR).
The state- level- expert- committee also decided to increase the micro containment zones in districts by 50 percent where the WIPR rate above 14. The government came up with the resolution as State's current IPR crosses 10 percent. As many as 15,000 devotees would be allowed to Sabarimala temple when it opens for (Chingam) monthly pooja on August 15. Devotees who have received two shots of vaccine or who have Covid-19 negative certificate within 72 hours at the time of darshan will be given entry to the shrine and the registration will be carried via virtual queue.
The Pinarayi government also intended to address complaints and criticism over state's strict guidelines for shopping. The meeting decided to give a relaxation for customers from their previous norms for purchase. People who could not get vaccinated due to some allergic issues or if a family has left with unvaccinated people should produce RTPCR negative certificates or vaccine certificate for purchasing goods.
The traders are directed to give either priority to the non-vaccinated in the shops or have home delivery service. Kerala will also have strict restrictions during Onam celebrations. Entry to beaches will be restricted and crowds will not be allowed to gather in public spaces. Street vendors with licenses will be allowed to operate.
The new norms said that police will conduct meeting on the basis directions from the local self-government. The meeting will be attended by the chairpersons of the local bodies. There is also separate meetings, if it contains more than one local body under a police station.
Kerala will fix a uniform rate for RTPCR test in airport to those who are travelling abroad. The state government also have completed procedures to purchase 20 lakh doses of vaccine for private hospitals. The distribution of the vaccine to various hospitals must be decided beforehand. It is also decided that local governments should ensure arrangements for vaccination in advance.
