The official orders from the Government of Karnataka states, “In Bengaluru urban district, all schools and colleges except, Medical and Para Medical will remain closed with effect from 06-01-2022 except class 10th, 11th and 12th”. Due to the sudden rise in COVID-19 cases, the Karnataka state government has issued fresh guidelines to curb the virus spread. A total of 15 points communicating these guidelines have been listed below –
1. With the intent of reducing public movement and curbing the virus spread, a night curfew will remain from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am, in the entire state, in accordance with the existing guidelines.
2. During this curfew period, all offices have been instructed to function from Monday to Friday i.e., 5 days a week.
3. The government secretariat, comprising only of officials below the rank of Under Secretary will function at 50% strength.
4. A weekend curfew will be imposed from Friday, 10:00 pm to Monday, 5:00 am in the entire state, in accordance with the newly-established guidelines.
5. During the weekend curfew, public transport including Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) will function as per the instructions of the organisation’s Chief Executive for fulfilling the needs of people in case of emergency situations.
6. All schools and colleges in Bengaluru Urban District shall remain closed from tomorrow, January 06, 2022, onwards, except medical, paramedical, Class 10, 11 and 12.
7. Pubs, clubs, restaurants, hotels, bars and dining-in areas will function with 50% seating capacity while strictly adhering to COVID-19 protocols prescribed by the government. Only fully vaccinated individuals shall be granted entry to such places.
8. Similarly, cinema halls, multiplexes, theatres, auditoriums and rangamandiras will also be allowed to function at 50% seating capacity while adhering to COVID-19 protocols. Here again, only fully vaccinated individuals will be granted entry.
9. Marriage processions will be permitted with a gathering of 200 people in open spaces and 100 people in closed spaces. However, all COVID-19 rules and regulations issued by the state government must be followed throughout the ceremony.
10. Religious places will only allow people for darshan and not any seva. Furthermore, at any given time, only 50 people must be granted entry with a mandatory fully vaccinated status.
11. Malls, shopping complexes stand-alone shops and shopping establishments can operate as per the usual norm but, only on week days.
12. Swimming pools and gyms have been allowed to function at 50% capacity but only for fully vaccinated individuals.
13. Stadiums and sports complexes shall be permitted to function at a 50% capacity.
14. The state government has not permitted any rallies, protests or dharnas during this period.
15. An intensive and strict surveillance will be conducted at the borders of Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra, as per the guidelines issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Karnataka. Checks will be conducted on all transport coming through air, road and train.
