THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said that the government may impose a lockdown in the state in the wake of the COVID surge. Severe restrictions will be imposed in the state from May 4. Lockdowns may be required in districts where the COVID outbreak is severe. The operation of central and state government offices in the state will be limited to only essential services. The banking service is currently open until 2 p.m. The CM also said that people should encourage online banking facilities.

More than 3 lakh people are undergoing treatment for COVID in the state. A maximum of 50 people is allowed in the places of worship with the necessary facilities. The smaller ones need to be controlled accordingly. Hotels and restaurants will only have parcel arrangements. The CM also added that celebrations should be avoided on the day of the announcement of election results.

The CM said that the spread of fake messages was a matter of concern. Action will be taken against those who spread and prepare such messages. The double mask system has become important now. A double mask should be a combination of a surgical mask and a cloth mask. People need to take a stand as a society that is not prone to unnecessary fear, the CM added.