With the second wave of COVID-19 wreaking havoc in Karnataka and the existing curfew measures not being effective in containing it, the State government on Friday decided to impose a stricter lockdown for 14 days from May 10 to 24.
This time, the movement of people, especially in vehicles, will be more strictly monitored and curbed. The State government had earlier clamped a two-week curfew on April 27, and it was to end at 6 a.m. on May 12.
After holding a two-hour meeting with officials and Ministers on Friday, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa announced the lockdown measures and said that people can buy essential items from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. during the two-week lockdown. Till now, it was allowed till noon.
“The curfew imposed in the State has not yielded the expected result in reducing the infections and death rate,” the Chief Minister admitted. “Total lockdown will be imposed in the entire State from 6 a.m. on May 10 to 6 a.m. on May 24.”
All shops and commercial establishments, hotels, pubs, bars, and industries would remain closed during the lockdown. However, all essentials goods and services, such as food items and medicine, would be available for four hours in the morning. Milk booths will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., said an order issued by Chief Secretary P. Ravi Kumar.
Agriculture-related activities, including shops and godowns, are allowed to function during the four hours in the morning. All roadwork and movement of goods vehicles will be allowed. Movement of persons and vehicles, except for medical purposes, is to be restricted.
Manufacturing units of essential commodities, production units which require continuous process, and industries/production units, both government and private, operating with on site (in-situ) staff and workers are permitted to function.
Construction activities with in-situ labourers will be allowed outside the containment zone. Work related to pre-monsoon preparation is permitted.
All facilities in the supply chain of essential goods, involved in manufacturing wholesale/retail goods through stores, and e-commerce companies are permitted to operate. Movement of all types of goods, including empty goods vehicles, is permitted.
Movement of officers/personnel travelling with valid ID issued by their organisation/institution to the place of work and back is permitted.
Many violations
Though Karnataka is already under curfew, Ministers and legislators admitted that the curfew has not been effective in controlling the pandemic. The current partial lockdown allowed many sectors to operate with 50% staff, including government offices and garment industries.
Before chairing a meeting with senior Ministers and officials, the Chief Minister offered prayers at a temple in the city and said, “The people are not following the curfew norms properly. They are not abiding by our warnings and therefore, lockdown will be inevitable.”
