COVID-19: No curbs on private vehicles, Chief Secretary.

Thiruvanathapuram:  Intensifying vigil on COVID-19 spread, Kerala Chief Secretary Tom Jose on Sunday announced curbs on interstate travel, as well as urging people to avoid long distance jaunts inside the state.

However, there is no issue traveling to neigbouring districts. Interstate buses would be off the roads.

The step could help stop people from moving across the state.  However, the curbs wouldn’t affect freight movements.  Virus spreads through people. There are no restrictions yet on people crossing neigbouring districts. Directive for the same would be issued, if the situation warrants one.  

Avoid long distance travels like one from the state capital to Kozhikode. Long distant jaunt might pave the way for virus spread. Public transport would not be allowed in Kasaragod distrct. Metro service in Kochi is also called off.  

A meeting presided by Chief Minister would decide travel curbs in other districts. KSRTC buses also have to comply with the directives.

There is no restriction on traveling in private vehicle between districts. However, avoid many people traveling together. Even 25 to 30 people traveling on a bus could spread virus. But in private vehicle, there may be a family or an individual, which would not be restricted.  

Among the nine districts with COVID-19 patients, Kasaragod has the most, with 14 cases

Actions would be taken as per directives from the Central government, he said.