Complete lockdown on Saturday and Sunday, stationery and clothing stores can be opened on June 11

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said at the Covid review meeting that there will be a complete lockdown in the state on the 12th and 13th of this month with strict restrictions. The move comes as the lockdown has been extended to the 16th of this month. The CM said the lockdown has been extended to June 16 due to the fact that the Covid spread has not slowed down as expected and all examinations will start only after June 16.

Permits will be issued until June 16 for companies selling essential items, raw materials for industry (including packaging), and companies selling construction materials. Banks will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as they are now.

Shops such as stationery, jewellery, footwear showrooms, clothing stores and opticals will be allowed to operate on June 11 for one day only from 7 am to 7 pm. Vehicle showrooms can only be opened on June 11 for maintenance work. Other activities and sales are not permitted.

Government, quasi-government institutions, public sector undertakings, corporations and commissions will start functioning from June 17 with 50 per cent staffing.

Assistance will be provided to private hospitals for vaccination activities. The Chief Minister directed to use the private hospitals in the respective districts for vaccination activities.