K'taka: schools to reopen in phases, Kerala mandated RT-PCR test for visitors

In karnataka, schools will reopen in two phases. Schools for classes 9 to 12 will start in alternate batches from August 23, with each batch attending classes three days a week, Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday announced that the decision about reopening of schools for up to Class 8 will be taken in the last week of August after looking at all aspects of a possible third Covid-19 wave. “All this is what the experts suggested. Covid-19 task force will be formed soon,” added Bommai.

Night curfew will be imposed throughout the state from 9pm to 5am, the night and weekend curfew will continue as is in districts bordering Kerala and Karnataka, according to the latest announcement. Bommai said that the state government has directed the police to strictly monitor the curfew.On Thursday, Karnataka reported 1,785 new Covid-19 cases and 25 related deaths, indicating a sustained increase in the number of daily infections. The Karnataka government has made negative RT-PCR mandatory for people arriving from Maharashtra and Kerala irrespective of their vaccination status.

On the other hand the Kearal has mandated negative RT-PCR test for visiting all public places, including shops, for unvaccinated people.Health minister Veena George on Friday defended the decision and said the government is responsible to provide adequate protection to the people and these decisions have been taken after detailed consultation with the experts. Speaking at the zero hour in the Assembly, the health minister said that these curbs were not meant forever and lifting all restrictions might cost the state dear. George said any relaxation to lockdown restrictions should be given after ensuring protection to people.

In its latest order, the government has allowed shops, markets, banks, offices, factories, tourist places to be open on all days from Monday to Saturday. But the rider that only vaccinated people or people with recent negative RT-PCR tests can enter these places has effectively changed nothing, many have alleged. Congress leader K Babu said if the new order is implemented, then elderly people will have to go out as they are the ones fully vaccinated. Only 28 per cent of the youth have been vaccinated in the state.