Karnataka lockdown: What is allowed and certain guidelines

In the wide spread of coronavirus cases in Karnataka, the government released a new set of guidelines for 14-day lockdown, which will start today, 27 April at 9 pm and will be in force till 12 May, 2021.

1. In the new orders, schools, colleges, malls, gyms, complexes, theatres, hotels, restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and similar places remain closed in this lockdown.
2. Students travelling for exams are permitted to use admissions tickets as a travel pass.
3. Banks, ATMs, insurance offices, e-commerce companies, all facilities in the supply chain of essential goods will also function during this period, the order stated.
4. There will be no restrictions on agricultural activities, supply of essential goods, wholesale, retail, or e-commerce companies shall be allowed to operate.
5. Public and private buses, own vehicles will not be permitted during the lockdown. Intra, inter-state movement of vehicles permitted for emergencies.
6. Shops dealing with food, groceries, fruits, vegetables, dairy and milk booths, meat will be allowed to function from 6 am to 10 am.
7. Industrial establishments and production units other than garment manufacturing are permitted to operate; the order said.
8. Reserve Bank of India, banks, financial markets regulated by RBI and microfinance institutions with minimum staff can operate.
9. Flights and trains will continue to operate during the lockdown and the tickets will act as a pass for movement of persons by taxis, and auto rickshaws to board flights and trains.
10. Construction, manufacturing, agriculture, medical sectors will continue to operate.
11. All social, political, cultural/ religious functions (other gatherings) will be prohibited.
12. All religious places shall be closed to the public. However, all personnel in the service of the place of worship shall continue to perform their rituals and duties without involving any visitors.
13. No public or private buses or passenger vehicles except as permitted under these guidelines (will be prohibited).
14. Hotels and restaurants can only take place as takeaway or home delivery.
15. Swimming pools will remain shut, only those swimming pools approved by the Swimming Federation of India will be opened for sports persons for training purposes only.
16. Karnataka government offices and departments dealing with health, municipal administration, district administration, medical, police, civil defence, fire and emergency services, water, electricity and sanitation will operate.
17. The Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme will be allowed and even the operations of homes for children, disabled, mentally challenged, senior citizens, destitutes and women.
18. Marriages should not have more than 50 persons, and cremation or funeral should not have more than 5 persons.
19. The order described, everyone should follow the Covid-19 appropriate behaviour such as facemasks, hand sanitisers and social distancing.

Meanwhile, Karnataka on Monday, April 27, reported 29,744 COVID-19 fresh cases and 201 fatalities, taking the caseload and deaths to 13,68,945 and 14,627 respectively.

Bengaluru urban district accounted for 16,545 fresh infections and 105 deaths. The city has so far reported 6,70,201 infections and 5,905 deaths.

According to the health bulletin, 10,73,257 people were discharged including 10,663 today in the state. Karnataka had recorded 34,804 new COVID-19 cases yesterday.