IMA SLAMS MOVE TO EASE CURBS FOR EID

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government’s decision to ease restrictions for Eid al-zuha celebrations even as Covid-19 cases continued to surge in the state has triggered sharp reactions from medical bodies and experts, with the Indian Medical Association terming it “unwarranted and inappropriate” at a time of a medical emergency and threatening to move court.

“The IMA is pained to see amid 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,” said the statement released by the apex doctors’ organisation.

It further warned the government of approaching the court, if the relaxations were not withdrawn immediately.

Kerala on Sunday recorded 13,956 fresh cases said the data released by the state health ministry. The active caseload in the state has crossed 125,000.

On Saturday, as the state reported 16,148 new cases, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared that lockdown restrictions in the state would be relaxed for three days starting Sunday in view of Eid celebrations on July 21. At least 40 people will be allowed in places of worship and there will be special relaxation from June 18-20 – shops and business establishments can be opened till 8pm.

Besides concessions for Bakrid, certain activities like film shooting and relaxations for places of worship were announced on Saturday by the CM, who added that restrictions were also needed to overcome the serious situation that Kerala was facing.