From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Updated
Bengaluru, Jul 18: Even as Covid-19 infections as well as positivity rate and mortality rate is coming down in Karnataka, the State Government has opted to go in for a cautious approach in view of the imminent Third Wave and has decided to continue with most of the present restrictions and start the night curfew from 10 pm till 5 am instead of the present 9 pm to 5 am in the Unlock 4.0 in the State.
The only relaxation is allowing the Cinema Houses and Theatres to open with 50% capacity after three months.
The timing of the night curfew presently on from 9 pm till 5 am, will now start an hour later or from 10 pm till 5 am from Monday.
All other restrictions, especially the Covid appropriate behaviour of compulsory wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing and sanitation will continue.
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who held a meeting to review the Covid-19 pandemic situation in the State in view of the present Unlock 3.0 restrictions coming to an end from Monday, July 19, at his official residence Cauvery on Sunday, has decided to allow opening of Higher Education Institutions such as colleges in the State from July 26.
However, those students who have received at least one dose of vaccine will be allowed to attend the physical classes in the degree colleges. The other students will have to continue with their online classes.
The meeting decided not to allow Swimming Pools to be open in the interest of maintaining health of people and prevent spread of infections.
The restrictions on closure of Churches, Temples and Mosques for public services shall continue. But the people can visit the places of worship for private darshan subject to following the Covid norms.
The new guidelines will be in force till August 2.
Even though the State Government is under intense pressure to allow pubs and bars to be kept open for service in the premises, no decision was taken and the present restrictions is likely to continue.
The meeting decided to relax the Unlock conditions in a phased manner depending on the situation and the progress of vaccination.
Chief Secretary Ravi Kumar released the latest guidelines to be followed across the State from Monday.
Deputy Chief Minister and State Covid Task Force Head Dr C N Ashwath Narayan, who is also the Higher Education Minister, Revenue Minister R Ashok, Forest Minister Aravind Limbavali, Chief Secretary P Ravikumar, State Director General of Police Praveen Sood, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Kamal Panth and other senior officials participated in the meeting.