Coronavirus: Kerala in partial shutdown mode

All educational institutions closed, but no change in SSLC, Plus Two exams

A view of the more or less deserted Ranni town on Tuesday.

With eight more cases of COVID-19 being confirmed in Kerala on Tuesday, the State has gone into a partial shutdown mode by imposing limits on public gatherings and ordering closure of schools and colleges till March 31 to prevent further spread of the disease.

At a press conference here on Tuesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan , who chaired a special Cabinet meeting here, urged temples, churches, mosques and ashrams to suspend crowded festivals and events till the threat eased. He advised madrasas and other places of religious learning to temporarily suspend classes.

Programmes cancelled

All public programmes, including those involving Ministers, stand cancelled. Government offices will observe a strict protocol to prevent the spread of the virus. The public have been advised to avoid overcrowded weddings and social activities for now. There will be no cinema shows, staging of dramas and other cultural events till March 31.

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Mr. Vijayan sought to marshal public support for the government’s decision to shut down educational institutions and halt academic activities, including summer holiday camps and private tuitions, till the threat of the outbreak receded. He said SSLC (Class 10) and Plus Two examinations would be held as per schedule. Students under observation for COVID-19 could appear for the tests in special rooms.

Anganwadis shut down

The government also shut down anganwadis and ordered District Collectors to supply meals to the children at their homes. He said 14 persons in the State had tested positive for the infection (COVID-19) so far since the virus surfaced in Pathanamthitta district last week. Earlier, three persons who had contracted the virus were cured of their illness.

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