Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (EP)
Kasargod, Apr 16: The district administration has decided to implement strict measures amid the rise in Covid cases in the district. Only those who are administered two doses of the Covid vaccine or have a negative Covid certificate issued in the last 14 days will be permitted in business and financial centres. The restrictions will be applicable in Kasargod, Kanhangad, Uppala, Kumble, Nileshwar and Chervathur. Covid testing and vaccination facilities will be available alongside roads to the market.
The decision was taken in a meeting held by the Disaster Management Authority on Friday. It was presided over by the president of the authority, deputy commissioner Dr D Sajith Babu.
"The inspection will be intensified from today itself. Emergency meetings will be held with the religious leaders in view of various festivals including Ramadan in various police station limits," said DSP P B Rajiv.
Business establishments, hotels and shops have been directed to stop their operations by 9 pm. Strict action will be taken in case of violations.
“Passengers are not permitted to stand and travel in passenger buses. Only the number of passengers who can be accommodated in seats will be allowed to board the buses,” said the regional transport officer.
Food parcel services will be allowed. However they will have to adhere to strict Covid protocol, action will be taken in case of violations.
"Tuition centres should also observe Covid regulations. The number of students should be restricted as per the need. Indoor and outdoor sports activities are not permitted," Rajiv said.
"Prior permission from local administration should be obtained for weddings and other programmes. Only a maximum of 100 people can attend them. Janajagruti committees will be alerted at the district administration level in case of violation. No new programmes can be held other than the ones that were already scheduled. Only permitted festivals and unavoidable religious programmes can be held. Covid regulations should be followed inside places of worship. Precautions should be taken on beaches and tourist spots. Special teams are assigned to take action against violators," the DC said.
"Workers employed in shops, hotels and business establishments should undergo mandatory Covid tests once a fortnight. The district administration and the RTO should take necessary action in this connection," said the deputy commissioner.
The DC also reached out to KSEB deputy chief engineer to ensure that uninterrupted power is provided to the Tata Covid-19 hospital.
The district administration has planned to enforce Covid restrictions under the leadership of DSP P B Rajiv. The DSP explained the protocol to shops and bus stands. He created awareness on social distancing and the use of face masks. "Inspections will take place often in bus stops, auto and taxi stands and railway stations. Children and the elderly should not step out of the house until absolutely necessary," he said.
DySP P P Sadananda, special branch DySP, A V Pradeep, circle inspector, K V Babu, K Saiju, Abdul Razak and others were present.
Over 643 people were found to be Covid positive in the district on Friday. 537 people have been discharged. 3,641 people are undergoing treatment, while 9,088 are under observation. Covid has been confirmed among 36,417 people so far and a total of 32,631 have been discharged in the district.