Coronavirus | As Centre frowns, Kerala steps back on easing curbs

Following the Centre’s strong objections to Kerala easing certain COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, the State government on Monday decided not to allow plying of buses in cities, opening of restaurants and pillion riding on two-wheelers.

Also read: MHA writes to Kerala govt. for violation of lockdown measures

Responding to the Centre’s concerns, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Kerala was not at variance regarding adherence to guidelines on the national COVID-19 lockdown.

In a letter to Kerala Chief Secretary Tom Jose, on Sunday, the Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla had said the State government had “diluted” the national timetable for the lifting of curfew sanctions and had “violated” Central government orders and provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

The Centre had taken exception to Kerala’s decision to allow salons, dine-in facility at restaurants, workshops and book stores in districts categorised as relatively low-risk Green and Orange (B) zones.

Also read: Data | K