Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Tuesday announced more lockdown relaxations. According to the latest notification, indoor stadiums and gymnasiums will be allowed to function at a maximum capacity of 20.
The stadiums and gyms may operate without air conditioners in areas with ample ventilation, a press release issued by the Chief Minister's Office stated.
The government also eased the restrictions on tourism centers. Hotels and homestays in tourist destinations may allow guests who are vaccinated. They must also undergo a mandatory RTPCR test and carry the certificate.
The tourism centers should adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Union Ministry and the directives issued by the tourism department.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took the decision on Tuesday regarding further easing of restrictions that were still in force to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
Revised slabs based on TPR
Meanwhile, the Kerala government revised the test-positivity-based slabs for Local Self Bodies.
•Category A: Below 5%
•Category B: 5-10%
•Category C: 10-15%
•Category D: Above 15%
Currently, there are 82, 415, 362, and 175 local bodies in categories A, B, C, and D respectively. Curbs will be based on the revised slabs from Wednesday, July 7.
• Government offices can operate at full capacity in Category A and B regions.
• Government offices should operate at 50% capacity in Category C areas.
• Restaurants can operate home delivery and take away services till 9.30 pm in places under Category A and B.
• More lockdown relaxations will be announced only if the Covid spread decreases substantially, the release stated.
• Instructions have been issued to prevent the Covid spread in the Adivasi region in Kasaragod.
• All firms must refrain from dismissing contract workers at this juncture.
• A special mechanism will be devised to ensure Covid vaccine certificates of expats carry Central government seal and batch numbers.
The State health department and the Kerala Police had sought for continuing with the restrictions till the end of July as the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) of the disease has not reduced.
