Karnataka withdraws weekend curfew, night restrictions to continue

New Delhi: The Karnataka government has decided to lift the weekend curfew in the state with immediate effect. However, the night curfew between 10 pm to 5 am every day will continue.

The decision to lift the weekend curfew was made as the Technical Advisory Committee said that Covid cases are increasing, but hospitalisation is not significant.

"The weekend curfew on Saturday and Sunday is being lifted. This decision has been taken based on the experts' report and subject to conditions. Now, the rate of hospitalisation is about 5 per cent. In case it increases, we will re-impose the weekend curfew," said state revenue minister R Ashok.

Meanwhile, the Minister appealed to people not to allow weekend curfew to be put in place again by urging them to follow Covid guidelines and precautionary measures.

"There has been demand from people, various organisations and political leaders from across party lines to lift weekend curfew, but we have taken this decision based on experts' reports. However, the night curfew between 10 pm to 5 am every day will continue, along with a 50 per cent occupancy rule among others," he added.

The restrictions on protests, rallies, fairs and events will continue, the Minister further said.

Gyms, malls and theatres will be allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity.

"Since positivity rate is more in Bengaluru (state capital), schools and colleges will continue to be shut, " said BC Nagesh, Education Minister.

Karnataka on Thursday reported 47,754 cases of COVID-19, the most cases by any state, and 29 deaths.

The total number of active cases across the state is now 2,93,231.