With the increase in COVID-19 cases across the nation, several state governments have imposed lockdown. Kerala government has now decided to extend the lockdown till May 23, 2021. Maharashtra, Delhi, Kerala and other Union Territories Government have introduced some restrictions on the intra-state restrictions. Now, the citizens of the Kerala state have to carry an e-pass for an intra-state movement.
From May 08, 2021, Kerala Government has made it mandatory to hold an e-pass to travel in the state during the lockdown. Those who need to travel during the lockdown days have to get an e-curfew pass from Kerala Police Department stating the true reason for travelling. Those who are found not in possession of this e-pass have to face the repercussions for the same. The Police Department has also asked citizens to not misuse the e-pass facility for anything that is not important.
However, a certain section of people which includes the essential services have been exempted from getting the e-pass. However, the people engaged in essential services are exempted and can travel without the e-pass. The essential services include doctors, nurses, police, government employees, food delivery, etc. Other than these people, everyone has to show an e-curfew pass to travel.
In order to apply for an e-pass online in Kerala, first, visit the official website which is pass.besafe.kerala.gov.in. People have to enter the basic details including the vehicle type, date of birth, travel date and purpose of travelling. They also have to upload supporting documents while applying for the e-curfew pass. There is also an option to get a weekly pass for daily wages, labourers, home maids and others for daily travel.
Till May 10, 2021, Kerala Police has received over 03 lakh requests for e-pass applications. As per the resources, around 71% of the e-pass requests are cancelled by the state police department. Only those people are issued the e-pass who have emergencies or have an authentic reason to travel amidst lockdown.
Kerala is one of the worst COVID-affected states of the country. Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram has been severely affected by the virus. Hence, the Government has imposed a triple lockdown in these districts. New guidelines have been introduced to these districts to control the situation. As a part of triple lockdown, grocery shops, vegetable and fruits vendors and other items under cold storage can operate for 03 days a week from 8 am till 2 pm.
Restaurants will remain open from 8 am to 7.30 pm no dine-in or parcel facility is provided, only home delivery is allowed. Domestic help and home nurses can travel across the state with an e-curfew pass that is issued online. There are no restrictions on petrol pumps, shops selling medical equipment, ATMs, medical stores, hospitals and clinical labs. In other districts of the state, general lockdown and its guidelines are implemented.
