Karnataka allows public transport; all shops to be open till 5 p.m.

Karnataka allows public transport; all shops to be open till 5 p.m.

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, June 20,  2021: The State government on Saturday announced unlock 2.0 allowing free movement of people and more leeway to carry out commercial activities from Monday, permitting operation of public transport, including KSRTC buses across the State and BMTC buses and metro rail in Bengaluru with 50% capacity.

With COVID-19 positivity rate falling to less than 5% in 16 districts, including Bengaluru Urban, the government eased lockdown restrictions and permitted shops, hotels, restaurants, and clubs to open without air conditioners and liquor till 5 p.m. in these districts. New norms would continue till July 5.

The new rules will be applicable in these 16 districts: Mandya, Belagavi, Uttara Kannada, Koppal, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Kolar, Bengaluru Urban, including BBMP, Gadag, Raichur, Bagalkote, Kalaburagi, Haveri Ramanagaram, Yadgir and Bidar. These have recorded positivity rate of less than 5%.

In these districts, outdoor shooting and sports without spectators are permitted. The government and private offices would remain open with 50% staff, and lodges and resorts would be opened with 50% capacity. Gyms too would be allowed to provide services with 50% capacity. Parks will also be open, from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, after a high-level meeting with ministers and senior officials, made the announcement.

hAmog the districts, positively rate is more than 10% only in Mysuru, where the prevailing restrictions will not be eased.

Thirteen other districts – Hassan, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Shimoga, Chamrajngagar, Chikkamagalur, Bangalore Rural, Davanagere, Kodagu, Dharwad, Bellari, Chitradurga and Vijayapura — have more than 5% positivity rate. In these districts, the lockdown guidelines issued on June 11 would continue to be applicable.

The Chief Minister said use of swimming pools is prohibited in all districts of the State. All cinema halls, malls, shopping complexes with air conditioners, amusement parks, would remain shut till July 5.

However, the COVID-19 night curfew will be imposed from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. in all districts. The weekend curfew would also come into effect from 7 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday in all districts.

Relaxation in 16 districts including Bengaluru
* All shops to be open till 5 p.m.
* Dining in hotels, clubs, restaurants (without ACs and liquor) allowed with 50% capacity up to 5 p.m.
* Outdoor sports allowed without spectators
* Government/private offices open with 50% capacity
* Lodges and resorts open with 50% capacity
* Gyms open with 50% capacity (without ACs)
* Parks to be open from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Rules applicable in entire State
* Public transport with 50% capacity, including BMTC and Metro
* Daily night curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
* Weekend curfew from Friday 7 p.m. to Monday 5 a.m.

What will remain closed in entire State
* Swimming pools
* Cinema halls
* Malls
* Shopping complexes with ACs
* Amusement parks