Pramesh S Jain
Bengaluru and Bengaluru Rural completely week-long strict lockdown:BS Yediyurappa;
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on across India, more and more areas are being put under lockdown once again in an effort to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. Anyway, the latest to join the list is Bengaluru, where the lockdown which will come into effect from 8 pm tonight and will stay in effect till 5 am on 22 July. And here is a quick summary of what’s allowed, what’s not, the travel rules, etc. during the week-long lockdown in Bengaluru.
With a spike in the novel coronavirus infections, the state government on July 11 had announced complete lockdown in the two districts from July 14 night to 5 am on July 22.
COVID-19 infections in Karnataka has breached the 40,000-mark as the state reported 2,738 fresh cases and 73 related fatalities on July 13, taking the death toll to 757, according to the health department.
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, after a meeting with the Covid-19 task force, said that there is no proposal to extend the week-long lockdown. While flights and trains already scheduled will be allowed to operate, no new rail and air services can ply. Those travelling to airport or railway stations have to produce their tickets, which will serve as passes.
Though essential items will be accessible, liquor shops and take-away-wine shops will remain closed till July 22.
Here’s a list of what is allowed and what is not during the week-long coronavirus-enforced lockdown:
> Shops selling essentials including milk, groceries and vegetables, would be permitted to open from 5 am to 12 pm.
> Hotels and restaurants shall be permitted to operate kitchens for take away or home delivery of food items only.
> Home delivery of essential items will be allowed, aiming at minimising the movement of individuals outside their homes.
> All places of worship shall be closed to the public, and religious congregations are strictly prohibited.
> Opening of theatres, malls, bars, gyms, swimming pools is not permitted.
> Public transportation services will remain suspended during the period, which include buses (KSRTC, BMTC, Private), Metro rail services, Taxis (including auto-rickshaws) and services of cab aggregators, except those hired for an emergency.
> Only flights and trains already scheduled will continue to operate during the Lockdown period and the tickets shall serve as passes for movement of the passengers.
> The inter-state and intra-state movement of passenger vehicles is allowed only in cases of emergencies or for permitted activities. Such movement is allowed through registration/obtaining valid pass through Seva Sindhu portal.
> Most government offices will be closed except those providing essential services and engaged in COVID-19 works, while Secretariat Offices in Vidhana Soudha and Vikas Soudha will work with 50 percent strength.
> Construction activities can be allowed in projects where workers are available on site.
The state government’s decision to impose lockdown from July 14 evening to 22 and a surging number of COVID-19 positive cases in Bengaluru has forced people to go back to their native places.
On Monday morning, a large number of vehicles piled up at Nelamangala toll gate. To ease the traffic, police allowed motorists to cross the toll plaza without paying toll fee for some time. People were seen travelling in tempos carrying their household goods and two-wheelers. People are also hiring taxis to reach their hometown.
Inter district services of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) too received higher ridership. Till 11 a.m, 333 buses were operated from Majestic bus stand to various destinations ferrying 8938 passengers. An official of the KSRTC said that seats of 231 buses were already booked online.
Basavaraj Bommai,Home Minister of karnataka,called a senior officers meet to review the preparations and measures taken to implement strict lockdown.He said i appeal to join hands in combating Covid-19 to break the chain stay indoors.And this time it will be strict lockdown and violators will be dealt with strict action we have given full powers to police to implement strict lockdown he said.
BBMP commissioner, police Commissioner and DCs of Bengaluru Urban and Rural have been given the powers to prohibit more activities if needed. The BBMP Commissioner will deploy executive magistrates as incident commanders in respective jurisdictions. Violators will be booked under Section 5l to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Section 188 of the IPC.
