Kerala Announces Rs 20,000 Cr to Tackle Coronavirus, Urges Local Bodies to Aid Public

Thiruvananthapuram, March 20, 2020:

Kerala has announced a package of ₹20000 crore to deal with the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 crisis in the State.

As the total number of coronavirus cases in Kerala rose to 28 on Thursday, the State Government announced the initiative to help aid its citizens.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took to Twitter to inform, “20,000 Cr special package for the State to overcome #COVID19. It takes an inclusive view and ensures that no one is left behind. The plan covers health package, loan assistance, welfare pensions, MNREGS, free food grains, subsidized meals, tax relief & arrear clearance.”

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Vijayan has also urged local bodies to take necessary steps to prevent community spreading of COVID-19 infection. While addressing the heads of local bodies in Kerala, he suggested that local body authorities and people’s representatives could play a major role in preventing the risk of sudden increase in coronavirus cases.

He said that the risk was huge in the second stage of local transmission of coronavirus. Local bodies can ensure that the restrictions imposed by the State Government are followed. The Chief Minister has also asked local bodies to ensure that medicines and protective equipment are ensured. Vijayan further urged the local authorities to take care of foreign tourists and that no incident of misbehavior surfaces.

The Chief Minister has directed that community group of fifteen members comprising Asha workers, Anganwadi workers, junior public health nurses and junior health inspectors, health service workers and government officers has to be constituted in each ward for support.

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It may be mentioned here that Kerala is one of the worst affected States in India with 28 cases till the filing of this report. According to reports, 66 people were put under observation on Thursday. 2,414 people were placed in home quarantine.

India has recorded a total of 206 cases of coronavirus. Four have died due to the infection. The fifth death of a foreign tourist in Jaipur has also been reported.

245,967 people have been infected with the novel coronavirus globally, out of which, 147,454 are currently active or currently infected cases and 7,388  are in critical condition. 10,048 people have died so far due to coronavirus.

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