As a part of the initiative ‘Break the Chain’ which was undertaken as a protective measure against COVID-19, Kerala government has asked the people to use umbrellas when they step out of their homes to ensure social distancing. The initiative was taken by Thanneermukkom grama panchayat in Alappuzha, the authorities mandated people to carry an umbrella whenever they go out. Social; distancing can be easily maintained in public places by using umbrellas.
The village has a population of 50,000 and all of them have been given instructions to use an umbrella. The umbrellas produced by Kudumbashree units will be distributed by Marari Marketing Limited, said P. S. Jyothis, president, Thanneermukkom panchayat. The body will distribute 10,000 umbrellas to the residents of the village under Break the Chain Umbrella Project. Out of 10,000 umbrellas distributed, 6,000 will be given to Kudumbashree members, 2,000 to workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Kerala Finance Minister Dr Thomas Isaac tweeted, “Two opened umbrellas, not touching each other, will ensure a minimum distance of 1 meter from one another,” moreover, Isaac said that the umbrellas will be distributed at a subsidised rate and those who are not able to pay the subsidised rate can get one via sponsorship. The authorities have also asked to distribute two masks with the umbrellas, it has entrusted six Kudumbashree units with the production of one lakh masks.
Kerala has so far recorded 468 cases total cases out of which 342 recovered, 125 are actives patients with three fatalities. It has recorded 11 fresh cases on Sunday as reported by the state health officials. After a COVID-19 case was reported in Thanneermukkom, it has been declared as the hotspot among three in the district.
Currently, the state has 87 hotspots after Chattannurand and Shasthamcotta from Kollam and Manarkkad in Kottayam were added to the list today.
The project was launched by A. C. Moideen, Minister for Local Self-Governments; Finance Minister Isaac was also present. On the occasion, umbrellas were given to office bearers, gram panchayat members and health workers.
