COVID-19 third wave scare: Kerala bans mass gatherings ahead of festive season

The decision was taken in view of a Central government alert to all states about the possibility of mass gatherings during these festivals turning into super-spreaders of COVID-19.

Thiruvananthapuram: No public observation of festivals or mass gatherings will be permitted in the state during Onam, Muharram, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chathurthi and Durga Pooja as they have the potential to become super-spreaders of the COVID-19 infection, the Kerala government said on Tuesday (August 10). The decision was taken by the Disaster Management department of Kerala in view of a Central government alert to all states about the possibility of mass gatherings during these festivals turning into super-spreaders of COVID-19 leading to a spike in infections, an order, issued by Chief Secretary V P Joy, said. The Union Health Ministry has advised all states to actively consider imposing local restrictions in public observation of these festivals and curb mass gatherings, it said.