No new relaxations; schools and colleges in K’taka shut till July 31

No new relaxations; schools and colleges in K’taka shut till July 31

Anil.Gejji@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:  01.07.2020

In line with the central government’s Unlock 2.0 guidelines, the Karnataka government on Tuesday declared schools and colleges, cinema halls, multiplexes, swimming pools, Metro services, marriage halls and gyms across the state will continue to remain closed till July 31.

However, the government announced no further relaxations in the second edition of unlock measures.

The order issued by chief secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar said Sunday curfew will be in force till August 2 and the 8pm-5am curfew every night till July 31. However, essential services and those arriving from other cities have been exempt from these restrictions.

Though the guidelines issued by the ministry of home affairs late Monday night made a few allowances, the Karnataka government decided to continue with the relaxations offered under Unlock 1.0 since the number of cases is on an upward trajectory in the past two weeks.

In containment zones, the state government will enforce complete lockdown by allowing only essential services.

Workers spray disinfectant outside the high court building in Bengaluru on Tuesday | P 2

No curbs on movement of people within, outside state

The government has given local authorities a free hand to identify buffer zones outside the containment zones. However, this will not apply to essential activities, including operation of industrial units in multiple shifts, movement of persons and goods on national, state and major district highways.

As per the state guidelines, online/distance learning will be permitted. Central and state training institutions will be allowed to function from July 15 with the standard operating procedure.

There will be no curbs on movement of people and goods within and between the states. Restrictions on small gatherings — not more than 50 attendees at marriages and 20 for funerals — will continue. Large public gatherings and congregations are prohibited.

Those who are not wearing a mask will be asked to pay a fine of Rs 200 in municipal areas and Rs 100 in rest of the state. Spitting in public and consuming of alcohol, paan, gutka and tobacco in public places will continue to be prohibited.

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