Kottayam: With six more new COVID-19 cases on Monday, the total number of cases in Kerala's Kottayam district has risen to 17.
The state government has included Kottayam and Idukki districts in the red zone owing to the spurt in cases here.
Meanwhile, the Ernakulam District Collector S Suhas on Monday sealed the Ernakulam-Kottayam border to contain the spread of the disease. No individuals will be allowed to cross the border without acquiring special permission.
Out of the six new cases, two of the patients likely contracted the disease from the labourer who had tested positive earlier. Another patient is a relative of the medical professional who tested positive. A lorry driver from Manarkkad who had travelled to Kozhikode, a scrap dealer from Changanassery who had been to Thootukoodi, and a bank official who had visited Salem, are the others who tested positive.
Special Officers appointed in Kottayam, Idukki districts
DGP Lokanath Behera has deployed two IPS officers as special officers in Kottayam and Idukki after the two districts were declared red zones on Monday. Commandant R Viswanath from KAP 5th Battalion has been deployed in Kottayam and Commandant Vaibhav Saxena from KAP 1st Battalion is in charge of Idukki district.
6 hotspots in the district
The Kottayam district administration has ramped up its efforts to contain the spread of the disease in the region.
District Collector PK Sudheer had declared Vijayapuram, Panachikkad, Ayemenem, Thalayaloparambu, Velloor and Manarkkad regions as hotspots on Monday.
The collector also withdrew all the relaxations in the district. Only essential services such as eateries and health services will be allowed to operate.
All offices are to remain shut in the hotspot areas.
The Kottayam market has been shut. Police surveillance in the district has been intensified and more restrictions imposed. A case will be filed against those who flout the instructions. A fine will also be levied on violators.