Karnataka withdrew a nightly curfew order, imposed a day earlier amid concerns about a rapidly spreading, mutated strain of coronavirus hours before it went into effect. The recall also comes shortly after the state police issued SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for the curfew period.
The curfew required restrictions on movement between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. until January 2, with exemptions for essential services and people involved in providing those services.
“In view of the public opinion that there was no need for a night curfew, the decision was reviewed and after consultation with cabinet colleagues and senior officials it was decided to withdraw the night curfew,” said Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa .
However, the Chief Minister appealed to people to exercise self-control through the use of masks, hand hygiene and social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
On Wednesday, Yediyurappa said: “In view of the new strain of coronavirus, it has been decided to impose (a) night curfew … I ask everyone to cooperate.”
That statement came a day after the PTI news agency quoted him as saying: “There is no need for a night curfew for now,” while emphasizing that “we must be more cautious.”
On Monday, Maharashtra announced a night curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. until January 5 in Mumbai and other cities, a day after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said he was against the night curfew, although experts had recommended it.
Maharashtra has reported the highest number of Covid cases in the country since the pandemic began in December last year, more than 19 lakh, followed by Karnataka with more than 9.1 lakh.
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