Expats returning to Kerala will have to pay for quarantine facilities: Chief Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that the state cannot afford to pay for the quarantine facilities of lakhs of expats returning to the state. He added that the expats will have to pay for the quarantine facilities.

"People will have to pay for institutional quarantine facilities in the state. It is not applicable at present. The state will introduce different ranges and a lesser amount for financially backward people," he said.

The CM added that the state government will not be able to bear the expenses of all those who are returning to the state.

He further stated that strict action will be taken against those who return to the state without registering. All those who are returning to the state without registration will be made to pay a heavy fine and undergo mandatory quarantine for 28 days, he added.

According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kerala has so far reported 896 COVID-19 cases, including 532 cured or discharged cases and five deaths.