THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said that a variant of the COVID virus, which is genetically modified and highly contagious, has been found in many parts of the state. The CM said that areas, where such a virus was detected, will have to be completely closed. He also said that all social, cultural and political events and religious ceremonies should be avoided.

"The UK variant of the fast-spreading virus and the more deadly South African variant were found in many parts of Kerala. The UK variant is more common in the northern districts. In this case, the spread of the disease is likely to increase if the regulations are not tightened. Hence, we must exercise extreme caution," he said.

"People have been cooperating well with restrictions similar to the lockdown imposed over the weekend. In the current situation, the special control over the weekend will continue. Only essential services will be available that day. Government and quasi-government institutions will remain closed on Saturday," he added.