Karnataka to take decision on weekend curbs to tackle COVID-19 after 15 days

www.mangaloretoday.com

Bengaluru, August 1, 2021: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai stated on Saturday that he will take a call on imposing nightlife curbs and weekend curfews after watching how the situation unfolds in 15 days in the state.

"We will watch the developments and verify on imposing restrictions. Until then, there will be strict implementation of rules," he underlined. The present rule of allowing 50% of customers to bars and pubs will continue for a fortnight, he added. "We are anxious after seeing spurt in COVID-19 cases in neighbouring states of Kerala and Maharashtra. This development is posing danger to the state. All entry points from these states will be strictly monitored. There is an increase in the positivity rate in few districts of the state and this must be checked," Bommai stated.

The CM said that he updated Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya about the coronavirus situation in the state, especially the districts bordering Kerala. A direction has already been issued to District Collectors to increase testing and vaccination, he said. Bommai said the Health Minister told him that a central direction would be issued with regard to rising cases in bordering districts of Kerala. There is concern about rising COVID-19 cases in the bordering districts. The government will step up testing of train passengers and those travelling via roadways, he added.

The CM said he will review the COVID-19 situation in the bordering districts with the respective district administrations after he returns back to Bengaluru. He said he will also review the flood situation in the state.