NEW DELHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If the directive of the union health ministry which asks to impose lockdown in 150 districts in the country where test positivity rates are higher, 12 of 14 districts in the state would come under lockdown. Even though the health ministry has put forward the directive before the high-level panel which met yesterday, the union government has not taken a final decision on the issue. Sources in the central government say that a final decision will be taken only after talks with state governments.

As per the current situation, only Kollam and Pathanamthitta could be exempted from the lockdown. The test positivity rate in the state is 23.24 per cent. If the lockdown had to be effectively implemented then the state needs to shut down atleast for a week.

Meanwhile, other ministries in the centre do not have any consensus with the health ministry over the lockdown guidelines. The centre is gearing up for talks with states in this situation. The Prime Minister also hold the opinion that a national level lockdown is not required.

The chief minister has earlier said that lockdown was not declared as it will halt all sectors including the construction field. Even without declaring a lockdown, only those in need are getting out of their homes. Police scrutiny has also been increased in the state.