THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a special state cabinet meeting held here on Monday, the government has decided to take a call on extending the lockdown in the state only after the decision of the centre.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took stock of the present situation and the steps taken to combat the spread of Covid-19, which have so far been done well in the state.

The cabinet at today's meeting decided to wait till the center’s decision comes. It was not right to announce their own decisions now. However, the meeting concluded that restrictions will be withdrawn in a phased manner and withdrawing it in one go will have an opposite effect. The cabinet is of the view that there is currently no concern on the preventive measures taken. The situation in Kasaragod is a relief. Meantime, the cabinet also decided to be on high alert.

The cabinet will now meet on Wednesday, as by then the guidelines of the Centre will be out.

At present, there are 194 COVID-19 positive cases in Kerala, besides 179 who have been cured.

There are 1,16,125 under observation at homes and 816 are in various hospitals in the state.