Karnataka lifts night curfew, govt offices to run at full capacity

The Karnataka government has decided to withdraw night curfew from January 31. The government has also done away with the 50% occupancy rules in hotels, bars and pubs. Cinema halls, however, will have to maintain the 50% occupancy guideline. Schools in Bengaluru will also start physical classes from January 31. Karnataka minister BC Nagesh said the departments concerned will come up with SOPs to be followed once the reopening starts. A decision has also been taken to reserve 25 per cent of beds in private hospitals for Covid patients and instructions have been issued to ensure proper treatment for non-Covid patients, A strict vigil at borders with Kerala, Maharashtra and Goa will continue.

As part of revised guidelines, government offices will run at full capacity, instead of 50 per cent. Hotels, restaurants, clubs, pubs and bars have also been allowed to function with full capacity - they were till now working at 50 per cent capacity. 50 per cent capacity would however continue on theatres, auditoriums and multiplexes. Gyms and swimming pools too can operate with 50 per cent capacity. The Metro rail and other public transport will run at their sitting capacity. Marriage functions are permitted with 200 members indoors and 300 outdoors, and religious places can open to 50 per cent capacity. However, no permission has been given for social, religious and political rallies, dharnas, conventions and protests. Swimming pools, gyms, sports complexes will also have to operate with 50% capacity.