No more warnings, cops to act tough, says Loknath Behera

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of Covid-19 cases increasing in the state, the government has decided to step up the vigil in six districts where the source of infection of many is yet to be identified.
These include Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kasaragod, Kannur and Malappuram. The restrictions have come into force in the major markets in the capital city.While Thrissur city is under partial lockdown, the containment zones in Ernakulam like Sreemoolanagaram, Vengola and Nayarambalam, have been put on high alert.
State police chief Loknath Behera said that from Thursday, police are going on a mobilisation drive. “Except those in technical division, all the others have been put on Covid-19 duty. Ninety percent of the 61,000 strong force, including those in the band, will work on Covid-19 duty,” he said.
All the divisions in police, including those which are not in the law and order duty like the crime branch and telecommunication, have been pressed into Covid-19 duty. A section of police have been kept on reserve duty too if those on duty have to be replaced in case of any emergency.
“Recently, there is a surge in the positive cases.If community spread occurs, it will lead to a disastrous situation,” Behera said.
During the lockdown, it was mandated that only five people can be present inside the shops that too by wearing masks and gloves. The shop owners as well as the public have the responsibility to ensure these.
“We are not going for awareness any more but will enforce the law strictly. Cases will be registered, violators will be arrested and slapped with fines. Anyone can inform the police if they see any kind of violation,” Behera said.
There are also several violations with regards to using the vehicles. Such vehicles also will be seized, he added.
Police have already begun erecting barricades in all the major points and no one will be allowed to enter or leave the containment zones.