Covid-19 safety guidelines mandatory for a year in Kerala; Rs10K fine for not wearing masks

The state government has amended the state Epidemic Disease Ordinance which will be effective till July 2021.

In a major step to curb the spike in the coronavirus infections, Kerala has made it mandatory for people to follow Covid-19 safety guidelines for a year.

Andhra Pradesh, Apr 22, (ANI): Health workers wearing personal protective equipment suits as a preventive measure against coronavirus at a Government Hospital, in Vijayawada on Wednesday. (ANI Photo)(ANI File)

The state government has amended the state Epidemic Disease Ordinance which will be effective till July 2021.

The guidelines have been issued under ‘Kerala Epidemic Disease Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) Additional Regulations, 2020’.

Kerala was the first state in the country to report Covid-19 cases. It has 5,204 coronavirus infections including 2,131 active cases and 25 deaths, as per the Union health ministry dashboard at 8 AM on Sunday morning.

Here are the new guildelines:

1) Wearing of mask/ face cover: All persons shall cover their mouth and nose with the mask / face covers in all public places, work places, all kinds of vehicles and during transport.

2) Social Distancing: All persons shall maintain social distance of six feet at public places and functions.

3)Fine : Rs 10,000 will be fined for not wearing masks in public places.

4) Marriage Function: A maximum of 50 people will be allowed for marriage celebrations in Kerala. All people at the function must use sanitiser, wear face masks, and keep a social distance of six feet.

5) Funeral Functions: For the funeral of non-Covid-19 patients, up to 20 people will be permitted.

6) Social Gathering: For any social gathering, permission from local authority will be required.

7) Prohibition of spitting in public places: Spitting in public places will be strictly prohibited.

8) Registration of those visiting Kerala: Those who are coming to Kerala from other states need to register themselves via Kerala government’s Jagratha e-platform. However, a pass is not required for inter-state travel.

9) Shops and commercial establishments: Up to 20 people will be allowed in any shop across the state to maintain social-distancing norms.