In view of the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Karnataka over the last month and further to non-compliance with COVID appropriate behaviour in social, religious and public gatherings, the State Disaster Management Authority of Karnataka has issued new COVID-19 guidelines and directed the authorities concerned to implement restrictions along with observance of COVID Appropriate Behaviour. These guidelines shall be effective till 20th April, 2021.
Key Highlights:
1. Practice of work from home to be followed in offices and work places as far as possible;
2. Covid Appropriate behaviour like wearing of masks, physical distancing, provision of hand sanitizer/ hand wash to be enforced in shopping malls, closed markets, departmental stores etc. Violations shall lead to closure of facility till the epidemic is over;
3. Number of persons in public transport to not exceed seating capacity;
4. Common facilities like gym, party hall, club house, swimming pool etc. in apartment complexes to remain closed;
5. Restrictions on public gatherings and congregations during religious festivals and fairs shall continue; rallies and dharnas prohibited;
6. Cinema halls in the districts of Bengaluru Urban and Rural including BBMP, Mysuru, Kalburgi, Dakshin Kannada, Udupi, Bidar and Dharwad may allow alternate seating capacity subject to a maximum of 50% seating capacity; subject to strict Covid Appropriate Behaviour like wearing of masks, physical distancing and provision of hand sanitizer and hand wash;
7. Number of customers in pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants to not exceed 50% of capacity in Districts of Bengaluru Urban and Rural including BBMP, Mysuru, Kalburgi, Dakshin Kannada, Udupi, Bidar and Hubali-Dharwad; strict COVID Appropriate behaviour like wearing of masks, physical distancing, provision of hand sanitizers/ hand wash to be enforced. Violations shall lead to closure till the epidemic is over;
Existing Regulations/ Orders regarding wearing of masks and maintaining physical distancing in public places to be strictly implemented by Police authorities and local bodies;
Violations to above-mentioned restrictions shall be punishable under provisions of the Disaster Management Act, Indian Penal Code and Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act.
Source: Government of Karnataka
