Kerala’s easing of COVID curbs for Eid reaches top court, experts worried

The Kerala government’s decision to ease restrictions for Wednesday’s Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid) has kicked up a storm with the Supreme Court seeking a response from the Left Front, government, the medical association warning of dire consequences and the Opposition salmming the move to open up in the “hotbeds” of COVID-19 infection. Kerala continues to log 12,000+ COVID-19 cases everyday even as numbers are easing elsewhere.

One of the worst-hit states in India, Kerala has so far recorded over 3.14 million COVID-19 cases and 15,269 deaths. On Saturday, the state recorded more than 16, 148 new infections, the highest single-day spike in one month. Even as the second wave of the pandemic has eased elsewhere, there is no let up in this southern state.

Also read: England removes COVID restrictions amid experts’ warning of consequences

On Monday, the Supreme Court sought Kerala government’s response on plea against its decision easing restrictions. The court will hear the case tomorrow

Earlier on Sunday, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Sunday strongly opposed the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government’s decision to ease the ongoing lockdown for three days. The medical body threatened to move the Supreme Court,  calling the decision ‘unwarranted and inappropriate at this time of medical emergency’.

On Saturday, the state government announced that all textiles, footwear shops, jewellery outlets, home appliance stores, and those selling essential items shall be allowed to open on July 18, 19 and 20 from 7 AM to 8 PM in category A, B and C areas, in view ofBakrid.

In D category areas, these shops can function only on July 19.

The IMA, citing recent cancellation of the kanwar yatra in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, added that it was unfortunate that Kerala was allowing mass gatherings. The IMA’s statement came just a day after Union minister V Muraleedharan urged the Kerala government to not take knee-jerk decisions.

The opposition Congress has also attacked the Kerala government over its decision. In a tweet, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said if Kanwar Yatra was wrong, then so were the relaxations for Bakrid. “Deplorable act by Kerala Govt to provide 3 days relaxations for Bakra eid celebrations especially because it’s one of the hotbeds for COIVD-19 at present. If Kanwar Yatra is wrong, so is Bakra Eid public celebrations,” he tweeted.