THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Hours after Thiruvananthapuram District Collector K Gopalakrishnan stated that shopping malls and beaches will be closed in the district in view of the COVID 19 pandemic, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the state government has not issued any such orders.

"The government has not directed the public to stay in their homes nor has it directed to shut down shopping malls and beaches. However, there will be certain restrictions in public places. The collector gave the directions due to certain misunderstandings," Pinarayi said. He also added that such severe directions can only cause panic within society. Earlier, the collector had said that shopping malls and beaches will be closed as he felt that many people are not following proper guidelines.

The chief minister further went on to say that those IT professionals who have recently returned from foreign tours should opt to work from their respective homes. The family members of these IT professionals were also asked to stay in their homes. Clear instructions regarding this were issued by the IT Secretary during a recent meeting with heads of various IT park and startup companies.

Meanwhile, Pinarayi Vijayan added that University exams will be conducted as per schedule. Special directions have been issued to avoid people gathering during the elections at various co-operative banks in the state. He also added that police will monitor the situation and avoid gathering of people during festivals at various temples and religious institutions.