IMA threatens to move SC if Kerala allows Covid relaxations for Bakrid
IMA has expressed concerns that Kerala government's relaxations ahead of Eid al-Adha, or Bakrid, will lead to mass gatherings that will worsen the Covid-19 situation in the state
Indian Medical Association has said it will approach the Supreme Court if Kerala government does not revoke relaxations in Covid-19 restrictions announced ahead of Eid al-Adha or Bakrid. The top medical body has expressed concerns that the relaxations announced by the Kerala government would lead to mass gatherings, which in turn will exacerbate the Covid-19 crisis in the state.
"IMA is pained to see amidst the rise of cases and seropositivity, the Kerala government has issued an order to ease out lockdown followed in the state on the pretext of religious gatherings of Bakrid. It is unwarranted and inappropriate at this time of medical emergency," IMA said in a statement on Sunday.
IMA went on to Kerala government's decision to relax Covid-19 restrictions as "unfortunate" and liable to "pave way for mass gatherings".
"IMA in the larger interest of the country and well-being of the humanity, with the sense of responsibility, strongly urge/demand the Kerala state government to immediately withdraw this order, enforce zero-tolerance against Covid appropriate behaviours, and do not deviate from its statutory duty and vision to ensure the safety of state and nation as a whole," the doctors' body said.
IMA said it would be forced to move the Supreme Court if Kerala "is not enforcing Covid appropriate behaviours and become a model state to curtail the rising menace of Covid, by withdrawing this decision".
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had announced new Covid-19 guidelines on Saturday, ahead of Bakrid. According to the new guidelines, shops in areas under triple lockdown will be allowed to open on Monday, in view of the festival.
A maximum of 40 persons, with at least one vaccine dose, will be allowed in worship places during the festival. Kerala government has also decided to continue with the complete weekend lockdown with an exception on July 18, 19, and 20 owing to Bakrid.
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