Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has announced complete lockdown in the state from May 8 to 16 over the rising Covid-19 cases in the state. Kerala earlier recorded single-day spike with over 35,801 fresh Covid cases and 68 more deaths on Tuesday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the situation in Kerala as serious and added that stringent measures will have to be taken to curb the Covid surge.
The decision to impose a complete lockdown in Kerala was taken after reviewing the present Covid situation in the state. The chief minister said that instructions were given to strengthen the ward level committees and rapid response teams in the state by bringing in the medical students from the areas. With the addition of over 41,000 fresh Covid cases, Kerala's caseload has gone up to 17,43,932, while 23,106 people were cured of the infection, pushing the recoveries to 13,62,000. The chief minister has said as the number of Covid patients increases by the day, the need for oxygen has also increased.
TN lockdown
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin said a total lockdown beginning May 10 had to be clamped due to a sharp increase in daily infections. “The total lockdown will be enforced from May 10 to 24 to further intensify the efforts to curb the spread of the disease," he said. Puducherry is already under lockdown till May 10.
Tamil Nadu reported 28,897 new Covid cases and 236 deaths on Tuesday. The total case count reached 13,51,000 and the toll stood at 15,412. The state touched the new high just a day after logging a record 26,465 cases and 197 deaths. A medical bulletin said 23,110 people were discharged on Saturday, taking that tally to 11,96,549 and leaving 1,39,401 active cases in the state. Chennai accounted for most number of new infections at 6,846, totalling 3,83,644 till date. Fatalities in the city stood at 5,153.
Full lockdown in Karnataka
Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa announced lockdown-like restrictions in the state from May 10 to May 24 in view of spiralling cases. There was already a curfew in place in the state from April 27, which was to end on May 12. All shops and commercial establishments, hotels, pubs and bars will remain closed during this period. Essential goods and services like food, medicine, milk, fruits and vegetables will be available from 6 am to 10 am. The state recorded 39,305 new Covid cases and 596 deaths on Tuesday.
Only scheduled flights and trains will continue to operate during this period. Flight and train tickets shall serve as the passes for movement of persons to board flight and trains. Hotels, restaurants and eateries shall be permitted to operate kitchens for takeaway/home delivery of food items only. No vehicles will be allowed to be used by persons for taking parcels/takeaway. Only movement by walk is allowed for this purpose. However, hotels, restaurants and eateries can use vehicles for home delivery.
Andhra Pradesh has announced a partial lockdown from 12 noon to 6 am from May 6 for two weeks. It had earlier imposed a night curfew. Telangana has extended its night curfew till May 15.
