Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced a series of measures while easing restrictions for lockdown 4, which will continue till May 31.The Kerala Government on Monday decided to allow public transport in a restricted manner with an increased travel fare to compensate the shortage of passengers due to implementation of social distancing norms in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Transport Minister A K Saseendran said initially public transport will be allowed only for intra-district services but hotspots will be avoided. 'We will open the public transport system in a restricted manner. Initially, the bus services will be allowed within the district.Services will not operate to hotspots. There will be an increase in the minimum charge,' the Minister said.

He also said that the services will be only as per the guidelines issued by the centre.'With the present guidelines issued by the centre, we will assess the situation and decide upon the inter- district and inter-state services.”

'For inter-state, Kerala prefers trains over bus services.Few trains are better than around 250 buses,' he added.

Fifty per cent of shops in shopping complexes in the state will be allowed to open on alternate days, the chief minister said. However, shopping malls across the state will continue to remain shut. 'Barber shops and beauty parlours are also allowed to function but they cannot use air conditioners. Customers need to take prior appointments,' he said.

All educational institutions, including training centers, will continue to remain shut during the period. Restaurants will be allowed to provide take away service till 9 pm.

Meanwhile, beverage outlets (liquor shops) can function for parcel service as and when online registration is enabled, he added.

“Only 50 per cent of government officials will be allowed to visit their offices, while the rest of the staff will work from home. Saturday will be a holiday for government officials,' Vijayan noted.