Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is mulling to execute a new COVID protocol to regulate crowding and avoid complete lockdown in the state. A health expert committee will prepare recommendations for the new COVID protocol as directed by the Chief Minister. With this, the government will quash the weekend lockdown and restrictions on alternate days.

A final decision in this regard will be taken in the review meeting on Tuesday.

The government has been facing harsh criticism over the unscientific restrictions which increase chances of crowding. Observing this, the government has decided to revise the protocol.

The expert committee has opined that there is no need to impose restrictions across the state based on COVID Test Positivity Rate and the number of patients. Instead of this, restrictions will be imposed  by identifying micro-containment zones based on TPR.

The committee also recommended to cancel the weekend lockdown as observing that it increases the rush on Friday and Monday.

Shops that are allowed to function three days a week will be allowed to open every day. Restriction on working hours of shops will be cancelled.

Meanwhile, strict restrictions will be in place for weddings, death and other public gatherings.

The government will take strict action to avoid crowding after revising the protocol.Along with intensifying police surveillance, efforts will be taken to increase COVID tests.

Though the state has been reporting a surge in COVID cases, the number of people under treatment in hospitals were not increased. It is hinted that the vaccination helped the patients to avoid complications after contracting the virus infection. Hence, the government is planning to vaccinate more people in the coming days.

A high-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary will discuss the recommendations of the health expert committee. Following this, the government will enforce the new COVID protocol. As Onam rounds the corner, the government will be more scrupulous in taking the final decision.