Kerala seeks "flexiblity" in making changes in lockdown

: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday suggested to Prime Minister Narendra Modi thatstates should have the "flexiblity" in changing lockdown guidelines and allowing public and Metro rail services by following social distancing norms, except in red zones.

Vijayan, who spoke during the video conference held by Modi with state Chief Ministers, also suggested that anti body test be conductedon expatriates before they arrive here from various countries.

"Kerala has a substantial population of Non Residents staying abroad. Some of them are coming back in special flights and many more are likely to come back.

Wheneverthey are transported by special flights, they should be subjected to antibody test prior to boarding", he said adding there was a possibility of many travellers getting infected if this was not done.

"We are already facing a situation wherein five positive cases were reportedfrom passengers who came to the state in chartered flights last week", he said.

As states werefacing challenges of COVID-19in different degrees,each one should have the "flexiblity"in making reasonable changes in lockdownrelated guidelines within theirrespective jurisidiction, he said.

After assessing the situation prevailing in a state, the respective states should have the flexiblity to allow public transport, subject to social distancing norms and restrictions within districts, he said.

The Chief Minister suggested that Metro rail transport be allowed in cities other than inRed zones, subject to similar restrictions