Kerala seeks "flexiblity" in making changes in lockdown

Thiruvananthapuram, May 11 (PTI): Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday suggested to Prime Minister Narendra Modi thatstates should have "flexiblity" in changing lockdown guidelines and allowing public and Metro rail services by following social distancing rms, except in red zones.

Vijayan, who spoke during video conference held by Modi with state Chief Ministers, also suggested that anti body test be conductedon expatriates before y arrive here from various countries.

"Kerala has a substantial population of n Residents staying abro. Some of m are coming back in special flights and many more are likely to come back. Whenever y are transported by special flights, y should be subjected to antibody test prior to boarding", he said ding re was a possibility of many travellers getting infected if this was t done.

"We are alrey facing a situation wherein five positive cases were reportedfrom passengers who came to state in chartered flights last week", he said.

As states werefacing challenges of COVID-19in different degrees,each one should have "flexiblity"in making reasonable changes in lockdownrelated guidelines within irrespective jurisidiction, he said.

After assessing situation prevailing in a state, respective states should have flexiblity to allow public transport, subject to social distancing rms and restrictions within districts, he said.

Chief Minister suggested that Metro rail transport be allowed in cities or than inRed zones, subject to similar restrictions Three wheeler transport can also be allowed subject to capacity restrictions after considering situation in a district by state governments, he said.

Vijayan also wanted states to be allowed to operate Industrial and Tre establishments, taking into consideration ground situation, but with restrictions like social distancing in areas, except containment zones.

On lines of Shramikspecial trains to take migrant workers back to ir states, Vijayan also wanted special trains to bring back Keralites stranded in various states. Pointing out that state has alrey demanded a special train from Delhi to Kerala, mainly for students, he said tickets for se trains should be issued according to registrations me with state government.

This is because state h given priority to students, those with medical emergencies, d people and likewise. However, railways have started online bookings regardless of state's registration,he said, ding this would only help undermine Kerala's efforts to curb spre of COVID-19.

Kerala also wanted n-stop trains from Mumbai, Ahemedab, Kolkatta, Chennai, Hyderab and Bengaluru to bring back its people stranded due to lockdown. Chief Minister said those arriving in Kerala from or states or abro are effectively monitored in home quarantine by government departments and Local Self Government institutions,he said.