Increase in COVID cases: Karnataka issues fresh orders imposing several restrictions

Mangaluru, April 02, 2021: With Karnataka witnessing a steep increase in the COVID cases, the state government has issued fresh orders on Friday.

While the order is meant for the entire state, the order has some specific restrictions to the districts including Bengaluru, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, which have seen an increase in the number of cases in the recent days.

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The order specifies 50 percent seating in Cinema Halls and restaurants in these districts.

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“Karnataka is again under threat of spread of COVID-19 epidemic. The situation of COVID-19 in Karnataka has been reviewed and it has been observed that there has been a persistent rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the State during the last one month,” the order states.

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“Further, a large number of social, religious and public gatherings like marriages, political rallies are being witnessed in which COVID Appropriate behavior is not being followed which may cause a setback in the appreciable gains made in the suppression of chain of transmission of Covid-19 cases in Karnataka,” the order by Chief Secretary added.

1. Classes 6 to 9 including Vidyagama shall be suspended. Classes 10, 11 &12 can continue in the existing mode. However, attendance to these classes in person is not mandatory.
2. Classes Of higher & professional courses shall be suspended, except classes due for Board/University examinations and Of Health Sciences.
3. Boarding schools and residential hostels shall be closed, except for the students of classes 10, Il, 12 and for students of higher and professional courses appearing in Board/University examination and Health Sciences.
4. In the places of worships individuals are permitted to visit and offer prayers only. There shall be no gatherings, functions, etc.
5. In Apartment complexes, the common facilities like gym, party hall, club house, swimming pool, etc shall remain closed.
6. Gym and Swimming Pools shall remain closed.
7. Rallies, dharnas, etc for any reason shall be prohibited.
8. Number of persons in public transport, shall not exceed the seating capacity.
9. The practice of work from home shall be followed in offices and work places as far as possible.
10. In Cinema Halls, alternate seating subject to a maximum of 50% seating capacity only shall be allowed in the districts of Bengaluru Urban & Rural including BBMP, Mysuru, Kalburgi, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Bidar and Dharwad. Strict COVID Appropriate Behavior (CAB) like ensuring wearing of masks, physical distancing, provision Of hand sanitizer/hand wash shall be enforced.
11. In the districts of Bengaluru Urban & Rural including BBMP, Mysuru, Kalburgi, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Bidar and Hubali-Dharwad. number of customers in Pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants shall not exceed 50% of the capacity.
12. Strict COVID Appropriate Behavior (CAB) like ensuring wearing of masks, physical distancing, provision of hand sanitizer/hand wash shall be enforced. If there is any violation in Pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants, the facility shall be closed till the covid epidemic is over.
13. In Shopping Malls, closed markets, departmental stores, etc strict enforcement of Covid Appropriate Behavior (CAB) like ensuring wearing of masks, physical distancing, provision of hand sanitizer/hand wash shall be enforced. If there is any violation, the facility shall be closed till the covid epidemic is over.
14. The restrictions on public gatherings and congregations during religious festivals and jathras/fairs shall continue
15. The number of persons permitted for different activities will continue as per the circular issued on 12-3-2021.
16. The existing regulations/orders regarding wearing of masks and maintaining physical distancing in public places shall be strictly implemented by the Police authorities and local bodies.

In case any person is found violating the aforesaid instructions, the defaulting person(s) shall be proceeded against as per the provisions of section 51 to 60 of Disaster Management Act, 2005, Section 188 of IPC and Section 4, 5 pnd 10 of the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020.

The above restrictions and prohibitions will be in effect till 20.04.2021.