Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 17 (IANS): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said the coastal hamlets in the state capital district are precariously placed as two villages have been identified of having a community spread of Covid-19.

"Poonthura and Pulluvilla have been identified as having community spread. Situation in a few other villages also is serious. Hence we have decided to demarcate these areas into three different zones, which would be under the control of top police and IAS officials. They will be declared containment zones and all have to remain indoors," he said.

Shops selling essential items will, however, be open, he added.

On Friday, the total number of new cases in the state was 791, of which local infectees alone accounted for 532, in which the source of infection in 42 cases is unknown. Of the new cases, Thiruvananthapuram district alone accounted for 246, of which 237 were local infectees and 112 of them were from the fishing hamlets.

"As of today, the total number of Covid cases is 11,066, of which 6,029 are presently active. The total hotspot areas in the state are 285," said Vijayan.