Cabinet likely to weigh further relaxations on retail, film sectors in Kerala

Pressure mounting on government for easing curbs in various sectors even as COVID-19 TPR hovers above 10%

A meeting of the Kerala Cabinet here on Thursday is likely to consider whether the COVID-19 situation in Kerala permitted further relaxation of constraints on various languishing sectors, primarily retail, tourism and film and television production. Any rejig in regulations is likely only later and in consultation with the COVID-19 expert committee. An official said the government was worried that the average test positivity rate (TPR) was hovering over 10% almost unrelentingly for weeks. The infection transmission rate remained high. Public health experts have warned the government that the second wave was yet to abate. There were cautionary reports that a third wave, driven by highly virulent variants of the coronavirus, might knock at the doors of Kerala. Epidemiologists are viewing the impending Muharram-Onam shopping season with concern, he said.