BENGALURU: The Karnataka government is planning to allow gyms, fitness centres and golf courses to reopen after May 17 when the third phase of the Covid-19 lockdown comes to an end.
Official sources said there were plans to reopen temples as well with strict safety protocol governing gathering and offerings.
“I met CM BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday and discussed opening of fitness centres, golf courses, hotels and restaurants and sought his permission. The CM responded positively and said he will give permissions to open gyms after May 17, after looking into the fresh lockdown guidelines of the Centre,” tourism and sports minister C T Ravi said on Wednesday.
PM Modi, in his address on Tuesday, had said the fourth phase of the lockdown would have “new contours” for which fresh guidelines would be issued on suggestions from the states.
Ravi said he had informed the CM about requests from several sportspersons who said their fitness regime had been affected by the prolonged closure of gyms due to the lockdown. Golfers too had submitted an appeal, he said, adding that it was easy to maintain distancing in the sport.
Muzrai temples may open; curbs on offerings
The government is likely to open all muzrai temples after May 17, subject to the new guidelines expected from the ministry of home affairs before this weekend. Sources said there could be restrictions on distribution of tirtha and prasada, besides offerings like fruits and flowers brought by devotees.
“Resorts like Jungle Lodges have come forward to reopen, citing they have independent cottages and social distancing is not an issue. With public transport likely to restart after Lockdown 3.0 ends, all these will have to be opened up with proper safety mechanisms,” minister Ravi said.
He said gyms and swimming pools must ensure hygienic conditions with sanitization of the area after every customer leaves the space. “We will issue guidelines for all stakeholeders separately,” he said, adding a caveat that it depends on MHA guidelines. With tourism activities coming to a standstill, the tourism department is focusing on promoting sports and local tourism. CT Ravi said he had drawn the CM’s attention towards ‘Love Your Native’ concept by promoting tourism within the district and between districts.
Official sources said there were plans to reopen temples as well with strict safety protocol governing gathering and offerings.
“I met CM BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday and discussed opening of fitness centres, golf courses, hotels and restaurants and sought his permission. The CM responded positively and said he will give permissions to open gyms after May 17, after looking into the fresh lockdown guidelines of the Centre,” tourism and sports minister C T Ravi said on Wednesday.
PM Modi, in his address on Tuesday, had said the fourth phase of the lockdown would have “new contours” for which fresh guidelines would be issued on suggestions from the states.
Ravi said he had informed the CM about requests from several sportspersons who said their fitness regime had been affected by the prolonged closure of gyms due to the lockdown. Golfers too had submitted an appeal, he said, adding that it was easy to maintain distancing in the sport.
Muzrai temples may open; curbs on offerings
The government is likely to open all muzrai temples after May 17, subject to the new guidelines expected from the ministry of home affairs before this weekend. Sources said there could be restrictions on distribution of tirtha and prasada, besides offerings like fruits and flowers brought by devotees.
“Resorts like Jungle Lodges have come forward to reopen, citing they have independent cottages and social distancing is not an issue. With public transport likely to restart after Lockdown 3.0 ends, all these will have to be opened up with proper safety mechanisms,” minister Ravi said.
He said gyms and swimming pools must ensure hygienic conditions with sanitization of the area after every customer leaves the space. “We will issue guidelines for all stakeholeders separately,” he said, adding a caveat that it depends on MHA guidelines. With tourism activities coming to a standstill, the tourism department is focusing on promoting sports and local tourism. CT Ravi said he had drawn the CM’s attention towards ‘Love Your Native’ concept by promoting tourism within the district and between districts.
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