States »SoutPosted at: Jun 21 2021 5:49PM Unlock 2 : BSY urges people to follow Covid appropriate behaviour
Bengaluru, Jun 21(UNI) As Karantaka government relaxed restrictions in several districts under unlock 2, Chief Minister B S Yeddiyurappa on Monday appealed to the people to follow Covid appropriate behaviour to stem the spread of the virus.
The chief minister tweeted, ''As we enter into another phase of relaxation of lockdown, it is crucial to be vigilant and stay protected from the virus. I urge everyone to wear masks, ensure hygiene and sanitation, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated at your turn.''
He also said the restrictions imposed for controlling corona virus infection are being relaxed according to district conditions. These measures are being taken to facilitate normal living, and appealed to the people of the state not to neglect the risk of infection.
''Also, stay home as much as possible and follow safety precautions. Wear a mask while out, maintain physical distance, cleanliness policy, and get vaccinated on rotation. Take precautions, follow the rules, cooperate with the government to fight against virus with all unite,'' he suggested.
Transport Minister DCM Laxman Sawadi said that on the first day, there will be a slight disturbance to bus traffic.
Speaking to the media about the onset of bus traffic, he said there will be no problem from tomorrow onwards and proper facilities for the passengers were being discussed with the authorities.
He said more than 90 per cent of transit crews were already vaccinated against coronavirus and nodal officers have been appointed to administer the corona vaccine.
He said only 50 per cent occupancy was restricted in the buses.
Metros have resumed operations with riders as the state government's guidelines further relaxing Covid-19 curbs in 16 districts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru city have come into effect.
The new guidelines popularly called "unlock 2" have come into effect from 6 AM and will be in force up to 5 AM on July 5.
In the 16 districts, where the Covid-19 positivity rate is below 5 per cent, shops were opened from 6 AM to 5 PM, beginning from Monday.
Though resumption of bus services has provided relief to office goers and others who depend on them for commuting, lesser number of buses is causing chaos at bus stands in several places of the city with higher number of people wanting to avail its service.
Similar reports are received from other places.
While the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporations (KSRTC) has said it is deploying 3,000 buses initially for local and inter-district long route bus operations, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) had said it will ply 2,000 buses.
According to BMTC officials, till 8 AM a total of 796 buses are being operated.
Hotels, clubs and restaurants without air conditioning opened for service until 5 PM with 50 per cent seating, but liquor will not be permitted.
Also, gyms began functioning at half capacity and parks will be open from 5 AM to 6 PM for walking and jogging.
Functioning of lodges and resorts with bookings up to 50 per cent, outdoor sports activities without spectators, outdoor film shooting are among the other things that are permitted.
However, there will be a curfew in place between 7 PM and 5 AM on weekdays and during weekends, curfew will be in place from 7 PM on Friday to 5 AM on Monday throughout the state.
Among those that continue to remain shut are swimming pools, places of worship, political events, educational institutions, shopping malls, pubs and amusement parks.
These relaxations are applicable in Bengaluru Urban, Uttara Kannada, Belagavi, Mandya, Koppala, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Kolar, Gadag, Dharwad, Raichur, Bagalkot , Kalaburagi, Haveri, Ramanagara, Yadgir and Bidar.
In rest of the districts that have a positivity rate of more than 5 per cent, essential shops will be open from 6 AM to 1000 hours.
Mysuru, where the positivity rate is high, will remain under a strict lockdown until July 5.
UNI BSP SV 1748