KOTTAYAM: In the wake of 11 cases reported in the past two days in Kottayam district, Minister P Thilothaman decided to impose strict restrictions. Nothing will function in the affected area except essential services. The required items will reach houses. Only medical stores will be opened in hotspots.

Hotspots were fixed in the wake of six new cases two days back. Five more cases will reported yesterday. In this situation, the minister said a decision has been taken to impose strict restrictions. Steps will be taken to provide adequate food supplies to the poor in the affected areas.

A decision has been taken to increase the tests. 200 samples will be collected from various places and tests will be conducted. If there is a shortage of kits, the district collector has been entrusted to take the required steps. There are no financial difficulties in it, the minister said.

The minister said a decision has been taken after consultation with the water authority to ensure that drinking water supply is not interrupted. Arrangements will be made to accommodate employees of COVID ward of the district hospital travelling daily. Homeopathic and Ayurvedic preventive medicines will be distributed with the approval of concerned departments, he added.