Kerala relaxes lockdown rules due to Bakrid, list of what’s open and closed

In honour of Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid) celebrations, the Kerala government declared on Saturday that the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in the state will be lifted on July 18, 19, and 20.

The Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration released new rules based on the test positivity rates in five districts. Only individuals who have received at least one dose of the vaccine will be given entry.

The Congress has criticised Kerala’s LDF administration, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, for lifting COVID-related restrictions on Bakrid celebrations.

“The Kerala government’s decision to grant three days of relaxation for Bakra Eid celebrations is reprehensible, especially given that the state is currently one of the hotbeds for COVID-19. If Kanwar Yatra is incorrect, then Bakra Eid public festivities are also incorrect “Abhishek Singhvi, a Congress lawmaker, wrote in a tweet.

Apart from shops selling essential items, shops selling clothes, shoes, electronic items, fancy and jewellery will now be allowed to open till 8 pm.

1. Places of worship to allow entry to upto 40 people who have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine
2. In the ‘A’ and ‘B’ categories, beauty parlours and barber shops are permitted to open with staff who have received at least one dose of vaccine.
3.  Along with the other permitted activities, electronic shops and electronic repair shops can also be opened on all days from 7 AM to 8 PM in category A and B areas and during permitted days in other categories.
4. The government has also allowed film shooting in A and B however subject to strict adherence to strict Covid protocol.
5. The number of pilgrims who could participate in the pooja at Sabarimala has been increased from 5,000 to 10,000.

Meanwhile, Kerala reported 16,148 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, bringing the total number of cases to 31, 46,981, while the death toll jumped to 15,269 with 114 new deaths. According to a state government release, 13,197 persons were cured of the infection, bringing the overall number of recoveries to 30,06,439 and leaving 1,24,779 ongoing cases.