<span style="color: #222222;">Kerala Government has stepped up restrictions to bring down the pace of third wave of Covid-19 in the State. Districts have been divided into three based on the scale of pandemic transmission. Thiruvananthapuram is tagged as the worst-hit district followed by Ernakulam and seven other districts.<br />''<br />''In Thiruvananthapuram, District Collector has banned gatherings of social, political or religious nature. Twenty people can take part in wedding and funeral ceremonies. Religious functions will be allowed only on online mode. Cinema halls and work-out centres will remain closed.<br />''<br />''During the Covid Review meeting held yesterday to assess the spread of infection in the state, it was also decided to shut down schools and colleges that record less than 40 percent attendance for three days in a row. Tuition centres have been asked to conduct online classes till month-end.<br />''<br />''Meanwhile, Kerala reported 26 thousand 514 new cases of COVID-19 and 30 thousand 710 recoveries in last 24 hours.<br />''<br />''Test Positivity Rate touched a record 47.72 percent in the State. Besides 13 new Covid deaths, health authorities also registered 158 deaths that are considered as Covid-19 deaths based on revised rules. Kerala has two lakhs 60 thousand 271 active cases now. </span><br />