KOCHI: The High Court can decide whether the government should issue guidelines for Sabarimala pilgrims as part of Nipah prevention. The court's intervention comes as the Sabarimala temple is about to open for Kannimaasa Pujas. The court has directed the Health Secretary to make the necessary decision in consultation with the Devaswom Commissioner. Sabarimala Nata will be opened on the 17th.

Meanwhile, following the confirmation of Nipah cases in the state, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have issued guidelines. The Tamil Nadu Health Department has earlier directed strict surveillance in all the districts that share the border with Kerala. The government has instructed the deputy directors of the health department and heads of local bodies in Tamil Nadu to report any type of epidemic immediately. Border checks are also being conducted rigorously.

Karnataka has issued alerts in Chamarajanagara, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Dakshina Kannada districts, which share the border with Kerala. It is advised to avoid traveling to Nipah-affected areas. Currently, there is no travel ban from Kerala. This order was issued by the Karnataka Family Health and Welfare AYUSH Services Commissionerate.