THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Though lockdown has been imposed in the State to curb corona menace, shops that sells essential commodities will remain open from 7 am to 5 pm. But in Kasargod, such shops will function from 11 am to 5 pm. This was informed by the chief minister.

There is also instruction to close all shops except medical shops and shops rendering essential services.

Hotels will be allowed to function provided they sell parcelled food items. Home delivery will be preferred. Customers will not be allowed to sit inside hotels and have food.

In malls, only sale of provision stores will be allowed. All restrictions imposed as part of the lockdown will come into existence across Kerala from 12 am Tuesday (from midnight).

Public transport will not be available, while private vehicles will be allowed on roads for essential services. Petrol pumps will function as usual.

People have been instructed to ensure proper social distancing. All banks in Kerala will function only from 11 am to 2 pm.

The government decided to resort to such tough measures soon after 28 cases tested positive for Coronavirus in Kerala.

The above restrictions will continue till March 31 and will be extended, if need be.