Coronavirus: epidemic flares in India, Kerala State tightens its measures

Text by: Sébastien Farcis Follow

India has become this Sunday the third country in the world most affected by the pandemic: the country recorded just under 25,000 new cases and 613 deaths from coronavirus in 24 hours, thus overtaking Russia. One state has already warned its people that the fight will be long: Kerala, in the far south of the country, has just extended the measures of physical distance for a year.

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From our correspondent in New Delhi,

The virus is here for a long time and Kerala is warning its citizens: the exceptional measures will remain until next July and they are even more strict.

Not wearing masks in public is now liable to a fine of 120 euros - which is extremely high for India -, weddings can only number 50, the funeral of non-sick people from Covid-19, 20 people maximum. Processions, religious or political gatherings are suspended, except with exceptional authorization, and must not gather more than 10 people.

Kerala is the first Indian state to extend these measures for so long, and is once again a pioneer. It was the first affected State in January, but thanks to a very efficient public health system, it succeeded in preventing a large contagion.

With 35 million inhabitants, Kerala has registered only 5,400 cases and 26 deaths. However, this number of cases jumped 5% on Sunday, which prompted the authorities to impose a new total containment of the state capital for a week.

► Read also: India: in Bangalore, hospitals saturated by the increase in coronavirus cases

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