Kerala joins Janata Curfew; people stay indoors to resist COVID-19

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged the public to observe the Janata Curfew declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resist coronavirus.

As part of Janata Curfew, people are requested to stay indoors on Sunday from 7 in the morning to 9 pm. Almost all states, union territories and political parties, including Congress, have supported the concept of Janata Curfew.

Shops, malls, hotels and bakeries will remain closed on Sunday. Petrol pumps other than that of Indian Oil, BPCL and HPC will not open. Petrol pumps in Mahe also will not be opened.

Public transportation facilities including MEMU, passenger trains, Kochi Metro, KSRTC buses, private buses, auto rickshaws and taxi will not be conducting service. Though private vehicles can ply on roads, they are also requested to avoid travelling.

Long distance Express trains which take more than one day to complete a service will be running. KSRTC will resume long distance services only after Sunday at 9 pm.

No entry in temples

Entry to major temples under Travancore and Malabar Devaswom Boards is restricted till March 31. Also temples owned by Zamorins have banned entry during these days. Mosques and churches also restricted entry. A curfew was imposed in Kodungallur taluk to avoid crowd in Sree Kurumbakkavu temple from March 22 to 29.

Restrictions in high court

The High Court will consider only very urgent petitions during this time. Others will be considered only after summer vacation.

Lottery sale stopped

State Lottery stopped sales till March 31. Rs 1000 will be granted to the sellers who lost their jobs due to this restriction.

5 minute for appreciation

The prime minister had requested all people to spend 5 minutes at 5 pm on Sunday to laud the selfless works of health workers, government officials, medical staff, police officers, media persons and others. People will clap their hands or ring bells in order to convey their gratitude to these selfless volunteers.