Follow lockdown measures strictly: Centre to States, UTs; Kerala named for 'violating'

In a letter to all the states, India's Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla wrote, "... It has come to notice that some of the States/UTs are issuing orders allowing activities which have not been allowed as per guidelines issued by MHA under the Disaster Management Act, 2005."

"I would again urge you to ensure compliance of the revised consolidated guidelines, and direct all concerned authorities for their strict implementation in letter and spirit without any dilution and to ensure strict compliance of lockdown measures," the letter added.

In a separate letter, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has lashed out at the Kerala government for granting extra relaxations, which were not listed by the Centre, from Monday.

The Leftist government in the southern state has allowed the opening of local workshops, barber shops, restaurants, bookstores and vehicular movement.

"This amounts to dilution of guidelines issued by MHA and violation of MHA Order dated 15th April 2020 issued under the Disaster Management Act 2005.

I would urge you to rectify the guidelines of GoK in line with the consolidated revised guidelines dated 15th April & 16th April 2020 without any dilution and to ensure strict compliance of lockdown measures," a letter by Bhalla read.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted on Monday, "Kerala is making its way back into life. From today on, some areas will see relaxations. We are not past the danger & must remain cautious. The lockdown must have made some of our life skills rusty; take extra precaution. Wash hands. Wear masks. Social Distancing."

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week extended the lockdown till May 3, the Centre came out with a list of guidelines which included the construction activities and industrial operations in rural areas, functioning of central government offices as well as the offices of the states and union territories, vehicles for emergency services.

MNREGA works and financial sector are also allowed by the Centre.

While the southern state of Kerala, which had reported the first COVID-19 case in India but successfully contained the virus with rapid testing, has gone a step ahead by allowing the opening of restaurants, bookstores et al, Delhi has preferred not to allow any of the relaxations.

The Delhi government on Sunday informed no relaxation will be allowed in the national capital while Telangana, another southern state, has extended the lockdown till May 7 to stem the spread of Coronavirus.

As per the government update, the total number of COVID-19 cases now stand at 17,265 including 2,547 cured and 543 deceased.

(Images: Avishek Mitra/IBNS, UNI)