Kerala govt eases Covid restrictions amid steep decline in cases

The Kerala government on Monday (February 28) eased the COVID-19 restrictions in the state. The fall in the number of Covid cases prompted the government to ease the restrictions, which had been in place since the beginning of the third wave.

In an order issued on Sunday, the chief secretary said that the government has decided to allow 100% occupancy in theatres.

Besides, Covid restrictions in bars, hotels, restaurants and other eateries have been lifted as well, the chief secretary said.

Meanwhile, as per the order, a maximum of 1,500 people can participate in public gatherings. Meetings and training at government offices can also be conducted offline on a need-to basis, said the chief secretary.

The government had authorised the State Disaster Management Authority to divide the districts into three groups - A, B and C - based on the number of people admitted to hospitals and imposed restrictions accordingly. These restrictions have been lifted.

The State administration has also opened schools, colleges and creches amid dip in COVID-19 cases.

Meanwhile, Kerala on Monday recorded 2,524 fresh COVID-19 infections which raised the total to 64,97,204 till date. Kerala has been one of the top 5 states which contributed high numbers in the Coronavirus tally in India during the third wave of the infection.