Moratorium on all bank loans in Kerala likely

With the next two weeks being extremely critical, Kerala has stepped up alert besides taking measures for intensive screening, monitoring and surveillance of those with suspected symptoms.

Those under quarantine at home and in hospitals have been directed to strictly comply with the instructions and not to venture out.

The authorities are preparing the final list of people who came in contact with the Sree Chitra doctor and Italian tourist who tested positive.

Primary contacts of the affected doctor have been identified and with the guidance of the state health officials and placed in home quarantine. Hospital staff who are not contacts as per criteria are attending normal duties.

High priority and emergency surgeries and care of patients attending the OP are conducted at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology hospital wing. Elective procedures and admissions are postponed till staff strength is restored. All of 76 hospital personnel, who may have potentially direct contact with the infected radiologist were included in the primary contact list and are in home quarantine.

More hospitals are being enlisted as testing centres. All passengers arriving at the airports are being screened.

State Level Bankers Committee has responded positively to Kerala government’s request to announce a moratorium on all bank loans.

The bankers committee will meet on Wednesday to take a decision.

Sources said the committee is likely to announce one year moratorium on all bank loans in view of the slowdown caused by Covid-19 in almost all sectors.