Kerala Extends Lockdown in Containment Zones till June 30, Schools to Remain Closed till End of July

In line with central guidelines, the Kerala government on Monday extended the lockdown in containment zones till June 30, but eased curbs in many sectors including allowing indoor film and television shoots and inter-district bus services connecting neighbouring districts, even as it made it clear schools will not reopen till July end. No outdoor shooting will be allowed.

Indoor shooting of films will be allowed with a maximum participation of 50 people and following strict health precautionary measures, while for television shoots only upto 25 people would be allowed, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

Giving details of easing lockdown restrictions, Vijayan said those coming from outside the state will have to register with the government's 'COVID Jagratha portal' and travel after taking pass. The containment zones will remain under a curfew-like situation and people will be allowed only for attending funeral of close relatives and they should approach police station for passes, he said.

For train journey, passengers coming with return tickets from other states need not undergo quarantine.

The government also decided to allow conduct of marriages at the Lord Krishna temple at Guruvayoor, but with limited participation of not more than 50 people. In other temples in the state, permission had been given earlier itself for conducting weddings, he said.

Inter-district bus service can be allowed in a limited manner connecting neighbouring districts, Vijayan said, adding no standing passengers would be allowed. All passengers would have to wear masks and sanitisers should be provided in the bus. Besides the car driver, three passengers can travel in a four-wheeler, while in autorickshaws, only two passengers would be allowed, he said.

The Chief Minister said the academic session in the state began on Monday through an online facility and made it clear schools will not open until July end.