Kozhikode: District Collector S. Sambasiva Rao declared Panniyankara region (ward 37 of Kozhikode corporation) as COVID-19 containment zone on Tuesday.

On the other day, the district authority had declared Thiruvannoor region as a containment zone. But after the district surveillance officer informed that COVID-19 patients are Panniyankara natives, the district authority removed Thiruvannoor from the list of containment zones.

The district authority ordered that people can seek the help of ward level rapid action force if they need to purchase essential items from outside the ward. The Collector directed the health department under local self-government to ensure surveillance of the people residing in Panniyankara. 

As the order comes into force, vehicular traffic has been banned in the area. At the same time, traffic is allowed for the distribution of essential material and medical emergencies.

More than five people should not gather in the ward. Vendors are directed to restrict entry of more than five people at the shops. Police surveillance will be strengthened in the area.

In the order, the Collector informed that those who violate the rules will be booked under IPC sections 188 and 269.