Kerala: Nipah restrictions tightened in Malappuram

Kerala: The district administration has tightened restrictions in Malappuram after confirmation of Nipah. Health department officials said that masks have been made compulsory in the district and people should not gather. Reducing the number of people in other ceremonies including marriages has also been recommended. Wards 4, 5, 6 and 7 of Tiruvalli panchayat have been declared containment zones and Mambet 7th ward has more restrictions. Business establishments will remain open only from 10 am to 7 pm. Cinemas and tuition centers should not function. It is a matter of relief that schools, Anganwadis etc. are not functioning due to Onam Vadhi. Vegetables and fruits should be washed and cleaned before use.

The district collector also directed to postpone the Prophet’s Day rally scheduled to be held on Monday to another day. A health survey has been started in the area led by the health department. Its purpose is to visit homes in the containment zone and find people with fever or other symptoms. The health department has advised those found with Nipah symptoms to isolate themselves. Out of the 151 people in the current contact list, 3 are undergoing treatment with Nipah symptoms. Efforts have also been made to trace the children who attended the funeral of the deceased student. The health department has also started testing to expand the contact list. The 23-year-old man who died in a private hospital in Perinthalmanna was confirmed to be infected with the Nipah virus. The young man died on the 9th of this month.