IMA Demands Kerala To Revoke Order Easing Covid Protocols Due To Bakrid, Signals To Move SC

Indian Medical Association (IMA) demanded the Kerala government reverse its move to relax COVID-19 restrictions ahead of Bakrid or Eid Ul Adha. IMA called such a move “unwarranted and inappropriate” at a stage when the state is dealing with an emergency situation. 

If the Kerala government does not enforce Covid-appropriate behaviour to curb the growing threat of the virus by revoking their relaxations in Covid norms during Eid Ul Adha festival, the leading doctors’ organisation has threatened to go to the Supreme Court.

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“The IMA is pained to see amidst the rise of cases and seropositivity, the Kerala government has issued an order to ease out lockdown followed in the state on the pretext of religious gatherings of Bakrid. It is unwarranted and inappropriate at this time of medical emergency,” the official statement read. 

It added that while several northern states have halted traditional and popular pilgrimage yatras (Kanwar Yatra) in the wake of the pandemic, it is disappointing that Kerala made a decision that will allow the gathering of crowds.

In light of the upcoming Bakrid (Eid-ul-Adha), Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on Saturday that textiles, footwear, jewelry, fancy stores, shops selling home appliances and electronic items, all kinds of repair shops, and shops selling essential items will be allowed to open on July 18, 19, and 20 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in category A, B, and C areas. These establishments can only operate in D category regions starting July 19, he said. 

Areas with a Test Positivity Rate of less than 5 percent fall into category A, those with 5 percent to 10 percent fall into category B, those with 10 percent to 15 percent fall into category C, and those with more than 15 percent fall into category D. 

The Chief Minister had allowed a maximum amount of 40 persons on special occasions of celebration or places of worship.