No complete lockdown; Political parties must regulate their workers on vote counting day, says stakeholders in all-party meeting

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A general consensus has emerged in the all-party meet on not having lockdowns. More regulations will be put in place in areas where rapid spread of the disease is witnessed. The mini lockdowns on Saturday and Sunday will continue. Shops and other commercial establishments should be closed down by 7.30 pm. It has also been decided that political parties must regulate their workers on vote-counting day.

The all-party meet has arrived at a consensus that let the existing regulations continue and after observing the situation for some days, more regulations could be introduced if the pandemic situation gets out of control. The political parties have said that another lockdown could create a detrimental impact upon the state’s economy and people’s livelihoods. Thus the meet has arrived at a conclusion that a complete lockdown is not necessary.

However, areas, where the rapid spread of the pandemic is higher, could witness stringent measures in the days to come. The concerned district administration could decide how to implement such measures. The state government has given the power to decide the final call on regulations to the local administration.