The B.S. Yediyurappa government in Karnataka has decided to impose a statewide 'Janata Curfew' for 14 days, starting from 9pm on Tuesday evening, to curb the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases.
The curfew exempts activities in sectors of manufacturing, construction and agriculture. Medical and essential services, including grocery shops, will also continue to function. All other commercial establishments will be closed. Hotels, restaurants and bars have been allowed to provide parcel services.
A window from 6am to 10am has been allowed for residents to purchase essential items.
The district administrations and tahsildars will oversee implementation of the restrictions.
Speaking to mediapersons after a cabinet meeting on Monday, Yediyurappa said the curfew restrictions could be extended if the COVID-19 situation in the state was not controlled in the 14-day period.
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Yediyurappa added public transport services, including government buses, would not be operational during the Janata Curfew; movement of private vehicles will also be prohibited. Metro services in Bengaluru will be stopped. Yediyurappa said the cabinet meeting had recommended postponement of all elections in the state for six months.
Yediyurappa added the night curfew (from 9pm to 6am) would be extended for two more weeks.
On Sunday, Karnataka recorded over 34,000 COVID-19 cases, its highest single-day rise, taking the state's total tally to 13,39,210. Bengaluru alone accounted for 20,733 cases on Sunday.
Free vaccination
Yediyurappa also announced that the state government would provide free vaccination to residents in the 18-44 age group.
(With inputs from Bhanu Prakash Chandra and Prathima Nandakumar)
