THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Institutional quarantine centers at panchayat level will be started in the state, said Minister Kadakampally Surendran. The MLAs and ministers should try to stay away from functions like marriages and deaths in the district, the minister said.

The decision was taken in the meet attended by MLAs, collector and DMO. The meet discussed on the preventive measures and the strict steps to be taken in future.

A decision has been taken to start at least an institutional quarantine centre at the panchayat level. What we have now are houses with separate rooms for quarantine. The new decision is that institutional quarantine should be arranged to those who cannot afford for the room.

Ministers and MLAs should refrain from other functions other than death of their close relatives during this time, the minister said.

In the wake of an auto driver contracting the disease in the capital city, the minister said that those travelling in autos should note down the vehicle’s number and the driver’s name. People travelling in uber-taxis should also do the same. This is to facilitate the detection of those who come in contact with them easily.

A decision has been taken that strikes with more than ten people should not be organized. This should be implemented strictly.

There is an uncontrollable flow of visitors in medical college, general and taluk hospitals. It will be restricted hereafter.

There should be only a bystander with the patient. Other visitors will not be allowed, the minister added.