THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government of Kerala on Monday announced one more week of extension of statewide lockdown till June 16, to contain the spread of the Covid pandemic. All existing restrictions will continue. More shops will be allowed to open on Friday. The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The government decided to extend the lockdown till June 16 after considering the high test positivity rate prevailing in the state, the chief minister's office said. The CM's office also said the restrictions will be severe (total lockdown) on June 12 and 13.

Government offices and public sector undertakings will function with 50 percent staff from June 17, the CMO said. The state has been under lockdown since May 8 following the sharp rise in coronavirus cases. The government had earlier extended the statewide shutdown thrice--on May 16, May 23 and May 31 after reviewing the situation.

Experts have advised that the lockdown should be withdrawn completely only when the TPR goes below 10. However, it was suggested that concessions should be given as the TPR was increasing as only those with symptoms were coming for testing. In the second wave, the TPR decreased rapidly from 30 to 15 but did not decrease significantly thereafter. Subsequently, the restrictions were tightened.