As the nation enters the fourth phase of lockdown, Kerala eased some of the restrictions, allowing public transport with certain conditions. The state also decided to relax restrictions on barber shops and beauty parlours.
Apart from this, the government also said that liquor outlets would open when an online system for booking liquor was ready. Giving details on the lifting of some of the restrictions, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the general lockdown conditions will be adhered to but will make certain exemptions based on the state-specific requirements.
He said that educational institutions will remain closed. Online distance education will be encouraged. Public transport to be allowed within the district but with only 50 per cent occupancy, he said and added that no standing passengers will be allowed. The Chief Minister said that there will be no restrictions for the buses to ply within the district. Inter-district travel is allowed between 7 am and 7 pm. Though no pass is needed for inter-district travel, those who travel should have to carry an identity card, he added.
The Chief Minister mentioned that family members, students, relatives and workers stranded before the lockdown will be allowed to travel to join their families. In four-wheelers, the driver along with two passengers is allowed. If it is a family, three from a family along with the driver is allowed. In three-wheelers, only one passenger apart from the driver is allowed. A maximum of three persons is allowed for families travelling in three wheelers. Pillion ride in two wheelers is allowed only for a family member.
Travelling is not permitted and out of a containment zone. In case of any emergency, then the person should have to undergo 14 days home quarantine or institutional quarantine.
Shopping malls are not allowed. However, 50 per cent of shops within shopping complexes can open, which is decided by the shopping complex management in consultation with LSG bodies.
With respect to liquor sale, Vijayan said that beverages outlets would open once the online system was ready. The Bars are allowed to sell liquor and food as a parcel. Licensed clubs can also sell liquor and food to their members.
On the functioning of government offices, the Chief Minister said that all government offices would function with 50 per cent attendance. The other 50 per cent have to work from home. All Saturdays are holidays till another order. The Government employees who cannot travel long distances have to report to the District Collector near their residence within two days. Their service will be utilised for Covid related work.
Marriage functions are allowed with a maximum 50 people. However, no other functions can have more than ten people. Funeral services can have a maximum of 20 persons. All religious places are to remain closed.
