Karnataka announces strict curfew for 14 days

Karnataka government has announced strict restrictions for the next two weeks in the state which has been witnessing a massive surge in Covid-19 cases over the past months. CM BS Yediyurappa addressed a press  conference in Bangaluru after a cabinet meeting on Monday and announced the restrictions in Karnataka. "COVID curfew will be implemented in the state from Tuesday 9 pm for the next 14 days," Yediyurappa said, using the phrase "close down".

Essential services will be allowed between 6 am and 10 am and shops will close after that. There will be no public transport during the curfew, the Chief Minister said. Only construction, manufacturing and agriculture sectors are allowed to work. Travel within the state and to other states will also not be allowed, except for emergencies. "People will have to cooperate. If they do, we can achieve our target," Yediyurappa said. The Chief Minister said government hospitals would provide free vaccinations for those between 18 and 44 years; the Centre has announced that those over 45 will be given shots free of cost.

IT hub Bengaluru, a city of 12 million, reported more than 20,000 new infections on Sunday, its highest 24-hour rise, second only to Delhi. Karnataka's previous single-day record was 29,438 cases on Saturday. The state has a positivity rate of nearly 20 per cent, which means one in five samples are testing positive. The manufacturing sector apart from garments, construction and agricultural sectors will remain functional during these two weeks and with no prohibitions.