Kerala relaxes virus restrictions, reduces quarantine period

Ashraf Padanna, Staff Reporter

The Indian state of Kerala has brought in more relaxations, including quarantine norms and the number of people allowed at public offices despite an alarming test-positivity rate. 

The mandatory home quarantine period for domestic passengers has been reduced to seven days from 14.

Initially, the mandatory quarantine period was 28 days. They can be tested on the seventh day after their arrival.

"If tested negative, further quarantine of seven days is optional and not mandatory, though a 14-day quarantine is desirable as per health protocol,” it reads.

"Those who don’t get tested would be advised to continue in quarantine for the remaining seven days and complete a total of 14 days in quarantine.”

Government offices, including public sector units, can now function with 100 per cent attendance observing the COVID-19 protocol of wearing maks and keeping physical distance. 

"It’s observed that the work of Secretariat and other government offices are badly affected,” chief secretary Vishwas Mehta said in his order.

In-house dining is allowed in restaurants, in lines with Unlock 4 guidelines of the federal government that came into effect from Sept.21.

Theatres and multiplexes will remain shut while open-air theatres are permitted. States can take necessary measures, including additional restrictions, in containment zones.