Covid-19: Government bans protests and public gatherings in Karnataka for next 15 days

After an increase in Covid-19 cases over the last three to four days, the Karnataka government decided on Monday to impose a ban on protests and dharnas in the state for the next 15 days.

On the other hand, despite the alarming rise in positive cases, the state has decided to continue with offline exams for grades I through IX and board exams.

The government held a two-hour discussion on the rising number of cases in Bengaluru and other key districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Kalaburagi, and Mysuru on Monday at the Covid-19 meeting, which was chaired by chief minister BS Yediyurappa.

Following the meeting, the CM reported that while Bengaluru has documented the majority of cases, accounting for over 2000 of the state’s 3000+ cases, the other four districts have each recorded 100 cases on a daily basis.

“In light of this growing concern, we have decided to prohibit all protests and Satyagrahas by various groups and organizations in the state for the next 15 days,” the CM said.

With three by-elections scheduled for April 17, Yediyurappa did not add any caveats to the ban on political rallies.
According to CMO officials, only 500 people will be permitted to attend the political rallies, one of which will be attended by the CM on Tuesday. The health department will notify these restrictions today, according to the officials.

S Suresh Kumar, the education minister of Karnataka, was categorical in his remarks at the conference, stating that online classes and exams were “impractical” due to the state’s restricted internet access.

“Due to a large number of business travelers from all over the country, a Covid negative certificate is only required for those traveling from Kerala and Maharashtra. If it’s only for a few days of business travel, the rest of the country doesn’t need to get a negative certificate,” a CMO official said.

The government will run three Covid Care Centres (CCC) in Bengaluru, the most recent of which will open on April 5 with 250 beds in Koramangala NGV. HAL CCC and Haj Bhavan.