Thriuvananthapuram: Chief Secretary Tom Jose said that shops can be opened in Kerala except for the places declared as hotspots, according to the Centre's order. Shops in Kerala can be functional as per the order issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, he said.

The details regarding what kind of shops can be opened is clearly mentioned in the order, the chief secretary said while addressing the media. The Centre has stated in the order that the shops that sell essentials and groceries can be opened. It also stated that shops including jewelleries are not allowed to open, the chief secretary informed.

Meanwhile, minister E P Jayarajan said that in order to make the shops in village areas active, the shops in cities also need to be opened. He added that the stock in shops in rural areas are brought from large shops in the towns. Minister A K Saseendran also said that the exemptions given by the Centre will be implemented in Kerala after holding discussions.