KA State relaxes Weekend Lockdown; Shops, Restaurants to remain open

The Weekend curfew imposed from Friday 10 pm to Monday 5 am in the State of Karnataka is herewith withdrawn according to a circular from the Government. However, Night Curfew will continue to be imposed from 10 pm to 5 am in the entire state as per the existing guidelines on all days. This measure will be further reviewed based on number of cases and hospitalization, said the GO.

The announcement should bring much relief to the aggrieved businesses in the State which has seen an upsurge in cases of the Omicron variant of the dreaded Coronavirus. After a stellar period pf sales during Nov & Dec ‘21, business establishments , especially hotels, pubs, restaurants and lodges have been extremely stressed since the last weekend of December due to which the city of Bangalore and rest of the State saw meek response for the New Year Parties and activities.

Pubs/clubs/restaurants/bars/hotels/eating places in hotel etc, will function with 50% of the seating capacity strictly adhering to COVID appropriate behaviour and entry to such places will be restricted to fully vaccinated persons. Cinema halls/multiplexes/theatres/rangamandiras/auditorium and similar places to operate with 50% of its seating capacity strictly adhering to COVID appropriate behaviour and entry to such places will be restricted to fully vaccinated persons.

The intensive surveillance at the border of Maharashtra, Kerala and Goa states shall continue as per the prevailing circular/guidelines issued by Department of Health and family Welfare, Govt. of Karnataka. The Chief Commissioner BBMP and Deputy Commissioners of the Districts based on their assessment of the situation may impose additional containment measures as deemed necessary in their jurisdictions, said the release.