March 25: COVID-19 Updates

Kerala police have intensified its checking on the roads as people are defying lockdown and are on the roads with private vehicles.

On Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown in the country to combat Coronavirus spread.

Kerala had already declared a lockdown on Monday till March 31.

On the first day of lockdown in Kerala on Tuesday, the police have registered 402 cases across the state for violating guidelines.

On Tuesday, Kerala Police chief ALoknath Behra came out on the streets and was seen advising people about the lockdown. He told the media later that the lockdown would be implemented very strictly from today and also said that identity cards and passes issued by police will be mandatory for travel.

At the same time, police have informed that those who use private vehicles must submit a declaration to police by revealing the purpose of travel. With this, social media started to circulate the application format of the affidavit. But as shops remained closed, there was no option to take a print out of the application.

Major restrictions imposed are as follows:

People who use private vehicles to travel must file an affidavit specifying the purpose of travel.

Strict action will be taken against the people who give fake details including name, vehicle number and address.

Only one person will be allowed in a vehicle apart from the driver

Vehicles carrying medicines and other essential materials will not be stopped

Taxi, autorickshaw and online taxis will be allowed only for purchasing essential items and medicines

The district police will issue a pass for employees in medical shops, grocery shops, milk shops, vegetable shops, data centre and internet-telecom sectors

Media personnel and government employees must carry their official ID while travelling.