The COVID-19 cases in the Southern part of the country continue to grow in the region despite the strict lockdown measures that were implemented earlier.
Here are the top developments from South India today:
1. Karnataka, AP and Kerala say ‘Yes’ to relaxation; TN says ‘No’
Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan have announced considerable relaxations in the lockdown that will continue to remain in force till May 31.
These two states will permit all shops except malls, public transport, barber shops amongst others to stay open in the non-containment zones of every district.
Andhra Pradesh too has made a similar announcement.
In addition, the Karnataka government announced that there will be a complete curfew on Sunday (May 24).
Tamil Nadu on the other hand has announced that the existing restrictions in the state will continue to be in place till May 31. No relaxation of existing guidelines has been permitted. The state has reported 11,224 Covid-19 cases so far–the highest among South Indian states–and has reported 78 deaths due the virus.
2. Telangana property registrations record a high; parents demand school fee waiver
In about 10 days since the state government accorded permission for registration of properties in the state, the Registration and Stamps Department earned over 78 crores and recorded 28,000 registrations in the city of Hyderabad. This is being seen as a sign of economic revival. The state continues to remain shut.
Parents have also demanded a fee waiver in schools across the city of Hyderabad for the first quarter due to reduced earning. They accused the schools of over-charging, despite clear warning by the Education department.
3. NE India residents continue to be harassed in Coimbatore
The Union Home Ministry had written to all the states warning them to protect the residents from North-East India due to incidents of racial profiling and violence.
Despite this, two Manipuri women working in the city of Coimbatore were harassed by a drunk man who abused them and heckled them as carriers of the COVID-19 virus.
The Police took note of the incident and have detained the accused.
4. Heavy rains lash parts of Karnataka and Kerala
Parts of Kerala, like Kochi, and coastal Karnataka have witnessed heavy rains. This is ahead of the SE Monsoon that is expected to hit the coast of Kerala on June 7.
5. AP sets aside 16k crores for revamped health care facilities
Witnessing the negative effects of COVID-19, the state government under the leadership of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy announced that the state will set aside Rs 16,000 crores for revamping the existing infrastructure in the state.