Unlock 2.0: Curbs to continue on several services in K'taka

Bengaluru : Most of the services banned during the lockdown will continue to remain suspended from Wednesday as part of Unlock 2.0 in Karnataka, a top official said on Tuesday.

"Schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will remain closed till July 31," ordered Chief Secretary T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, as he issued Unlock 2.0 guidelines, directing the city civic body commissioner, district deputy commissioners, police officers and other department heads.

Bhaskar issued the orders in the capacity of State Executive Committee Chairman, invoking the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Other barred services until July end include international air travel, except those flights permitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Metro rail, cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, bars, auditoria, assembly halls and similar places.

"Social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural and religious functions and other large congregations," he said.

Domestic flights and passenger trains will continue to operate as allowed by the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Railways.

Night curfew in the southern state will prohibit the movement of people from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. throughout the state, except for those moving for essential services, including industrial units operating in multiple shifts, movement of person and goods on national, state highways and major district roads.

Similarly, loading and unloading of cargo and transit of passengers to their destinations after disembarking from long distance buses, trains and flights will be allowed.

"BBMP, district deputy commissioners, police commissioners or appropriate authorities shall issue orders in the entire area of their jurisdiction under appropriate provisions of law, such as under section 144 of CrPC and ensure strict compliance," said Bhaskar.

Meanwhile, starting July 5, there will be complete lockdown on Sundays till August 2.

"However, the essential services as above permitted during night curfew shall be permitted during the Sunday lockdown also," he said.

Those families which have already fixed marriages will be allowed to conduct the ceremonies as allowed by the government, following all the guidelines.

Starting July 10, all state government offices, boards and corporations, except those critical for essential services, will remain closed on all Saturdays till the second week of August.

In the containment zones, lockdown will continue to be in force for as long as required.

"Containment zones will be demarcated by the BBMP and district authorities after taking into consideration the guidelines of the department of health and family welfare with the objective of effectively breaking the chain of transmission," he said.

However, only essential services will be allowed in the containment zones while all other containment zone rules will be applied.

Though certain activities may be prohibited outside the containment zones depending on the situation, there will be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of people and goods.

"No separate permission, approvals or e-permits will be required for such movement. However, people coming to Karnataka state from other states shall strictly adhere to the prevailing guidelines issued by the department of health and family welfare and revenue department," said Bhaskar.

All vulnerable persons, individuals above 65, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home, except for health and essential purposes.

Similarly, employers should ensure that the Aarogya Setu app is downloaded and used by the employees having compatible phones.

As the app enables the identification of potential risk of infection, Bhaskar has also directed the district authorities to advise people to install the Aarogya Setu app.

The Chief Secretary ordered officials not to dilute the guidelines issued under the Disaster Management Act.

He warned of penal action against people violating the rules.