COVID-19: Kerala Issues New and Strong Directives for Expats Returning to State

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The Kerala government issued today a fresh set of conditions and guidelines for expatriates in the wake of their massive return to the state amid COVID-19, seeking strict adherence so as to contain the novel coronavirus.

The new directives by the Disaster Management Department are in tune with the central government guidelines and in continuation of the earlier instructions by the state. The latest order contains procedures that aim to check any community spread or transmission of COVID-19 through contact.

The directives are meant for those reaching Kerala by air, rail or road from other states as well as on flight or ship from abroad. From what they must undergo as safety measures at aerodromes, seaports and check-posts, the guidelines also define well the procedures to be followed during home quarantine subsequently.

As soon as the expatriates register at the COVID-19 counter, the information will be passed on to the pertinent civic body, police, COVID care nodal officer and the district collector. The police will ensure that the returnee reaches his/her home or the right quarantine centre. The local administration will check whether the facilities at the place of stay match with what the returnee had revealed earlier.

Further, it is the returnee’s responsibility to alert his/her neighbours about the arrival and make them aware of the rules related to quarantine. The returnee has to also know whether his/her neighbourhood has people of the age or health condition vulnerable to COVID-19, and direct them on ways to take special care to avert chances of acquiring the disease.

Penal action under IPC and the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 will be taken by the police against those returnees who flout the guidelines. The departments of revenue, police and Local self-government will be in charge of ensuring all facilities for those undergoing quarantine at the paid institutions of the government.

The new directive further clarifies the conditions those undergoing home quarantine have to meet in their room and house. It emphasises the procedures to be followed by the rest of the members in the family as well as the caretaker.