Kerala under complete weekend lockdown due to COVID-19 spike

The lockdown will be imposed on Jul 31 (Saturday) and Aug 1 (Sunday).

Meanwhile, the central government is rushing a central team to the southern state as it is still reporting a high number of positive cases.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Thursday morning tweeted, "Central Government is sending 6 member team to Kerala headed by NCDC Director. As large number of COVID cases are still being reported in Kerala, the team will aid state’s ongoing efforts in #COVID19 management."

Kerala Wednesday reported 22,056 new COVID-19 cases while the toll increased by 131.

Earlier this month, the Communist government in Kerala was slammed by the Supreme Court for easing anti-COVID-19 restrictions in view of Muslim festival Bakrid.

"Alarming state of affairs to give in to pressure tactics. Pressure hood of any manner cannot infringe upon the most precious right to life. If any untoward incident takes place due to this relaxation, the public can bring to our notice and action will be taken accordingly," a two-judge bench comprising Justice RF Nariman and BR Gavai had told the government.

The state government had cited the adverse economic condition of the traders as the reason behind the relaxations. 

"The traders were expecting that the Bakrid sales would alleviate their misery to a certain extent. They have stocked up the goods for this purpose early. The organization of traders started to agitate against the stringent curbs implemented in the LSGIs and declared that they will open shops all over the state flouting the regulations," the government had told the court.

At that time, the state was reporting cases at around 9-10 thousand per day.