Amid a massive surge in COVID-19 cases, Kerala will impose lockdown-like restrictions on Saturday and Sunday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, reported ANI. Only essential services and emergency travel will be allowed during the two days.

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The restrictions were announced on the day Kerala logged its highest single-day spike of 28,447 new COVID-19 cases. 27 people died of the disease in the past 24 hours. 

As the lockdown-like restrictions will come into place on Saturday, 75 people will be allowed for an indoor wedding and 150, in case the ceremony is held outdoor.

A maximum of 50 people will be allowed for funeral service, the CM said, according to the news agency.

“We are going through a very crucial time,” Vijayan said in a tweet.

“People should not venture out of their homes unless it is absolutely necessary. Only essential services will function on Saturday and Sunday,” he said.

“Let us spend this weekend with our families,” the CM added.

Also read: Lockdown last resort, says PM Modi amid COVID surge

India on Thursday logged the world’s highest single-day spike of 332,730 COVID-19 cases. 2,263 people died of the disease, pushing the death toll to 186,920.

Meanwhile, India’s COVID-19 tally has reached 16,263,695.