Owing to the recent surge in coronavirus cases in the state, Kerala has banned the gathering of more than five people at a time. This will be in effect from October 3 to October 31. The authorities will use relevant provisions of Section 144 to control the spread of the virus. At present, Kerala has a total of nearly 196000 cases with 742 deaths. Amid all these, a man also got arrested in Kozhikode airport for smuggling gold inside face mask.
Kerala Witnessed A Rise In COVID Cases By 126% After Onam
After Onam, Kerala witnessed a rapid jump in coronavirus cases, reaching the fourth position in terms of active cases in India, after Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Recently, Kerala has seen a hike of over 126 percent in active COVID-19 cases. India had recorded its first coronavirus case in Kerala. However, the state had devised a COVID model that assisted it to effectively bring the cases under control. But this new hike has posed a challenge to its health infrastructure all over again. As per reports, an official order stated, “Strict restrictions shall be imposed in containment zones and in specific areas where the spread of the disease is apprehended.”
District Magistrates are directed to assess ground situation & use relevant provisions under Section 144 to control spread of COVID. Gathering of more than 5 people at a time can't be permitted. Order shall come into effect from 3rd October (9000 hrs) to 31st October: Kerala Govt pic.twitter.com/lExepBh8d6
— ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2020
Section 144 To Be Imposed To Ensure Social Distancing
The order of the Government of Kerala released on October 1 stated, “In light of the surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the state, public congregations and gatherings pose an impending danger of a super spread of the infection. Hence, an assembly or gathering of more than 5 people at a time cannot be permitted.” The order also added, “For the enforcement of social distancing, the provisions of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973 shall be effected vide order read above.”
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This sudden surge in the virus cases in Kerala is a reminder that despite the lockdown relaxations in the country, stepping out is still not safe enough. Kerala and Bangalore had even assigned robots at various hospitals to assist coronavirus patients: