Lockdown Withdrawal In 3 Phases

An expert committee, under chairmanship of former chief secretary K Abraham, appointed by Kerala government to review Covid-19 nationwide lockdown has suggested a phased relaxation of the lockdown to contain COVID-19 for areas outside the seven hotspot districts in the state from April 15, 2020.
The committee has also come up with health-related and non-health-related objectives for the withdrawal strategy and steps for management of hotspots and vulnerable population.

According to the committee, the phased withdrawal is sustainable only if there is a steady recovery and decline in the number of cases leading to initial flattening of the infection curve and then gradual tapering of the curve to zero infection cases.

Lockdown relaxation to be provided in 3 phases-

Phase I

For qualifying for Phase 1 relaxation, there has to be not more than one new case in the district for the entire week prior to the date of review on April 14, 2020.
No increase more than 10% of the number of persons under home surveillance in the district
No hotspots of COVID-19 anywhere in the district as identified by the Health Department are the other criteria fixed.

Restrictions & Relaxations

No outdoor travelling without face masks, occupancy of government vehicles should be restricted to two persons per vehicle excluding the driver, vehicles carrying frontline care workers or other public servants should not exceed the seating capacity of the vehicle.
Only one person per house will be allowed to go out at a time for a specific purpose and for not more than 3 hours at a time.
Any person above age of 65 years with history of co-morbidity or undergoing any treatment for cancer or major ailments will not be permitted to go out.

Phase II

A district will qualify for Phase II relaxation at the time of second review only if there is no more than one new case for the entire fortnight prior to the date of review.
Not more than a 5% increase in the number of persons under home surveillance from the date of the previous review and no infection hotspots are the additional criteria.

Restrictions & Relaxations

Autos and Taxis may be allowed but restricted to one and three passengers, respectively.
Travelling by bus for short distance within a city or town may be permitted but with one person per seat.
Activities under National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (NREGA) to be allowed with protocols like use of masks and sanitisers.
All Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) shall be allowed to reopen.

Phase III

A district will qualify for Phase III relaxation only if there is no new case of infection in that district for the fortnight prior to the date of review.
In addition, a decrease of more than 5% of the number of persons under home surveillance in the district from the date of the previous review and no hotspots anywhere in the district are needed.

Restrictions & Relaxations

Inter-district bus transport may be allowed with two-third capacity with maintaining social distancing protocols.
Domestic flights for doctors, health workers, patients etc.
International trips and travelling from other parts of India should not be allowed till full relaxation of the lockdown.
For educational sector, universities, schools and colleges shall be instructed to open for examination holding purpose.
Religious congregations in and outside worship places, weddings, political meetings or conferences or cultural gatherings shall continue to be prohibited during this phase.