Kerala: Section 144 imposed in Malappuram till March 31

MALAPPURAM: As the Kerala government locks itself to fight Covid-19, district collector of Malappuram imposed ban order under Section 144 of the CrPC across the district till March 31.
The ban order will restrict people to assemble at one place or organise any such event/programme where five or more people's gathering can be expected.
The number of people who are under observation in the district has been increased to 9294 on Monday.Fifteen persons have been admitted to isolation wards in different hospitals. The district medical office has informed that the health condition of four persons who tested positive for coronavirus is satisfactory.
After attending a meeting to review the preventive measures taken by the authorities across the district, higher education minister KT Jaleel said that the minister said that strong measures would be taken to prevent Covid-19 spread in the district as it has already reported four confirmed cases. The government can address the issue effectively only with the proper support and cooperation from the party of public and public should follow the guidelines and directions issued by the government.
"People should follow guidelines on social distancing and isolation. Religious centres, mosques, churches and temples should be vigilant against gathering of people," he said.
The minister said that if people who return from Covid affected countries are experiencing difficulties to quarantine themselves in their houses, they can approach Covid care centres arranged in different parts of the district. The centres were arranged in State Haj House in Karippur, MSP Camp in Nilambur, Sikshak Sadan in Malappuram, Adhyapaka Sadan in Kottakkal and a private hotel in Karippur.
The minister has observed that police and local level Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) are effectively handling the prevention activities in the district. District collector Jafar Malik, district police chief U Abdul Kareem and other officials attended the meeting.
Malappuram district panchayat has decided to grant permission to set up isolation wards in schools which are functioning under the local body. A P Unnikrishnan, district panchayat president, has informed that panchayat will hand over the schools to health department authorities if required.
Meanwhile, food safety authorities have strengthened measures to ensure hygiene in food outlets in the district. Special squads have been formed to conduct surprise inspections. For last two days, the teams conducted inspections in around 100 food outlets including street vendors in the district. The inspection team has imposed fine on 15 shops for violating food safety rules, The squad will continue its functioning for some more weeks.