Updated: December 23, 2020 10:09:15 pm
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said the night curfew will come into effect on December 24 and will be in effect on January 2. The curfew hours will be from 11 pm to 5 am.
Karnataka has become the second state after Maharashtra to impose a night curfew amid fears of a new UK Covid strain. Making the announcement on Wednesday, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said that the night curfew will come into effect on December 24 and will take effect on January 2. The curfew hours will be from 11 pm to 5 am.
The announcement of the night curfew came after the CM held detailed discussions with members of the technical advisory committee on Wednesday morning. “In view of the new strain of coronavirus, a night curfew will be imposed for nine days until January 2,” Yediyurappa told reporters.
Health and Medical Education Minister Dr. K Sudhakar said the night curfew was imposed based on the suggestions of the technical advisory committee. “The health department is closely monitoring passengers who have arrived from the UK,” Sudhakar said.
He added that people are advised to finish their activities by 10 p.m. Unnecessary gatherings and celebrations are prohibited. The minister also urged citizens to cooperate, as the decision has been made in the interest of public health and safety.
Officials from the state health department will ensure surveillance of those who arrived from the UK between November 25 and December 22. Returnees will undergo a 28-day mandatory quarantine. Health officials will tend to your needs for the first 14 days of quarantine, after which they will have to voluntarily restrict themselves at home, the minister said.
Sudhakar said 2,500 passengers from the UK arrived in the state during this period. “Two flights arrived during this period. The details of the passengers are available and each of them will be kept under strict surveillance. An RT-PCR test will be done if someone has symptoms, “he added.
“The Indian Institute of Science and the Bengaluru National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences will study the genetic sequence of the virus. Swab samples from positive patients will be sent to these institutions for study and research on the new virus variant, ”Sudhakar added.
Responding to objections raised by the Bar and Hotel Owners Association about the measure to impose a night curfew, Sudhakar said the decision is inevitable. “With public health and safety in mind, a night curfew has been imposed. There are no restrictions on any activity until 10 pm and no agricultural activity, including the transport and marketing of agricultural products, will be affected, ”he said.
The minister said the curfew will only be in effect for nine days and will help the health department study the genetic sequence of the new mutant.
Guidelines for night curfew
Karnataka Chief Secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar issued detailed guidelines on the night curfew on Wednesday night.
According to the regulations, the movement of people is strictly prohibited between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., with the exception of people involved in essential services. There are no restrictions on the movement of goods via trucks, freight vehicles or carriers, including empty vehicles, Vijay Bhaskar said.
All industries, businesses and organizations that require night operations have been allowed to operate with 50 percent staff. The movement of employees of said organizations will be allowed by presenting valid identification cards issued by their respective organization or institution.
Industries and factories that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week have been allowed to operate without any restrictions, while the movement of long-distance night buses, trains and flights is also allowed.
“Taxis and cars are allowed to move back and forth to drop off or pick up people to or from bus stops, train stations and airports. Movement will be allowed by displaying valid tickets, ”the order said. The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation bus will operate normally, BMTC PRO confirmed.
The midnight mass on December 24 at night will be allowed according to guidelines already issued on December 17, the chief secretary added.
The December order banned New Year’s celebrations in clubs, pubs and restaurants. Issued by Vijay Bhaskar, the order only allows green cookie popping on holiday nights and revelers have been advised to refrain from handshakes and hugs. It has also specified that church organizers and overseers must ensure that large gatherings are avoided at the same time and social distancing is maintained.
Meanwhile, TS Latha, a public relations officer for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), said that buses will travel as usual during this period.
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