Kerala will be under complete lockdown from today till 16th May. The move comes as covid cases continue to surge in the state. AIR Thiruvananthapuram correspondent reports that Only essential services are allowed in these days. Public transport will not be there. Shops selling essential commodities will only be allowed  to be open till 7.30 pm.<br />'' <br />''Police passes are compulsory for travel and the online facility for the same will come into effect from today evening. Inter district travel will not be permitted except for emergencies. Banks will only function on monday, wednesday and friday till 1 pm. Police are directed to strictly enforce  lockdown guidelines.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured that essential services including vaccination center visit will  remain uninterrupted. He further said the free food kit distribution will resume to help the people tide over lockdown and the migrant labourers are also brought under the ambit of the scheme. Meanwhile  presently over 4 lakh active Covid cases are there in Kerala . Mayusha for AIR News from Thiruvananthapuram.</span><br />