Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government will announce a lockdown in seven districts where coronavirus cases have been reported, officials said on Sunday

The districts are Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kasaragod, Kannur, Malappuram, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta. Only essential services will be allowed in these districts.

The details of the extent, time and other details of the lockdown will be announced later.

The move comes after the central and state governments decided to announce a lockdown in 75 districts across the country where coronavirus cases have been reported.

The decisions have been taken at a high level meeting attended by chief secretaries of all States and the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.

The meeting also decided to suspend inter-state bus services till March 31, they said. State governments will issue orders allowing only essential services to operate in these districts.

(With inputs from PTI)