Closure: Center may announce relaxation in “many things” after May 17, says Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa

With Operation 3 closing near its end in a couple of days, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Friday expressed confidence that the Center announced relaxation to “many things” after May 17. “After May 17, the Indian government will relax so many things, let’s hope,” he said in response to a question from reporters here. “According to me, they (the center) will relax everything … maybe for things like five-star hotels and others cannot give permission at the moment, but for other things they will give permission. Let’s wait and see.” The national blockade was initially imposed from March 25 to April 14, then extended to May 3 and again to May 17 to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

Karnataka Tourism Minister CT Ravi hinted on Wednesday that the state government allowed the opening of gyms, fitness centers and golf courses, also certain hotels for local tourism purposes after May 17, when the third phase of the COVID-19 induced blockade. Muzrai’s department (in charge of temple administration) also planned to have a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which should be followed in temples once they are opened to the public, authorities said.

They said that opening temples to the public is subject to MHA (Ministry of Interior) guidelines. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent videoconference with the chief ministers of various states, Yediyurappa proposed removing color coding by district and instead called for strict cordon-off of containment zones to control the spread of the pandemic. .

It had promoted the resumption of all economic activities in independent establishments, while continuing restrictions in shopping malls, movie theaters, restaurants, and establishments with central air conditioning. The CM had suggested that between 50 and 100 meters around known groups be declared as containment areas and commercial activities, including public transport, allowed in non-containment areas.