Thiruvananthapuram(Kerala): Addressing a press conference, the CM said Kerala is planning to follow directions from the central government to stop the pandemic.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed the nation the other day. His address is an indication that the central government is viewing the situation very seriously,” the Pinarayi Vijayan said.
“The state government will fully cooperate with the Janata Curfew called by the PM on March 22. All transport facilities under the government including metro services will come to a standstill. The public must clean their homes and premises on Sunday,” the CM added.
Pinarayi Vijayan took part in the video conference with the PM and explained to him the steps taken by the state government to mitigate the pandemic. During the video conference, the CM sought to increase the loan cap, payment for MGNREGA workers and labourers in the unorganised sector besides subsidy for food and grains.
The state government on Friday confirmed that more than 12 more people have tested positive for the coronavirus taking the toll to 40 with five cases reported from Ernakulam, six in Kasaragod and one in Palakkad. However, out of these 40 patients, three recovered earlier.
Read: No passenger trains during 'janata curfew' on Sunday
CM Vijayan had strong words for one of the COVID-19 patients in Kasaragod who did not care about precautionary measures. In view of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the situation in Kasaragod district is extremely critical, said CM.
“The person who was tested positive for COVID-19 was in contact with many people. He also took part in many functions, which increases the chance of the disease spreading to more people,” CM said.
To control the situation, the government imposed severe restrictions in the district. “All government offices will remain closed for one week and places of worship and clubs will remain closed for two weeks in the district. Shops should be opened only from 11 am to 5 pm,” Pinarayi Vijayan said. The restrictions will be issued as a government order, the CM added.
All five cases reported from Ernakulam are part of a 19-member tourist group from the UK. All are admitted to Kalamassery Medical College in Ernakulam. The group was offloaded from a Dubai-bound flight at the Kochi airport on March 15 as one of them was already infected. Out of 19, 12 tested negative.
At present, 44,390 people are under observation. Among them, 44,165 are under home quarantine while 225 are admitted to hospitals. On Friday, 56 persons were admitted to various hospitals in the state. Meanwhile, 5,670 people were removed from isolation.
Health department officials sent a total of 3,436 samples for testing out of which 2,391 turned out negative, the CM added.
Read: Centre asks states to take action against anybody not cooperating in quarantine
