On account of the rising cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Kerala, the state government has imposed Section 144 under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which srated on October 3 and will in be in force till October 31.

“Public congregations and gatherings pose an impending danger of a super spread of the infection. Hence, an assembly or gathering of more than 5 people at a time can not be permitted,” the government said in a statement.

Rules to be followed

* Under the order, assembly of more than five people is prohibited.

* Magistrates have been directed to assess the Covid-19 situation in their respective districts and impose the relevant provisions under Section 144 accordingly.

* People commuting to their offices, businesses, and markets are exempted from the restrictions.

* The latest restrictions will only be implemented in the containment zones or the areas more prone to the spread.

* Existing relaxations for categories like weddings, funerals etc will be continued. 50 people can attend a wedding and 20 people can attend a funeral function.

* Kerala is witnessing a rise in the Covid-19 spread since the last week. On Thursday, the state recorded a grim milestone as the total number of infections crossed the 200,000-mark.

* As of Thursday, the total number of Covid-19 cases in the state stood at 203,241.

* On September 11, the state had crossed one lakh mark, seven months after India’s first case was reported from the state, when a Wuhan returned medical student tested positive. The state’s death toll due to Covid-19 is 771.

*Exams will be conducted as usual; banks and offices can function , Covid protocol should strictly followed everywhere including shops

The government informed that there will more restrcition on containment zones. There will be strong action if instructions are not obeyed. Poeple will not be allowed to crowd and inside containment zones. More than five people won't be allowed to gather at a place. Shops, banks and government offices will be function as usual.