KOCHI: The Centre rejected Kerala’s demand seeking relaxation in the quarantine of non-resident Keralites (NoRKs). The Centre informed the high court that 14-day government quarantine is mandatory.

The state government’s directive for expats was seven-day government quarantine and seven-day home quarantine. The Centre opposed this directive in the court.

Only a few expatriates have returned and only some have gone into government quarantine. More than 150,000 rooms have been set for them.

The government itself had informed the court that 250,000 rooms have been arranged. So, the state government cannot resist the quarantine period of the expatriates by claiming that facilities are inadequate.

The high court had earlier clarified that the state is bound to implement whatever decision the Centre takes on the current situation in the country.