Karnataka allows cinema theatres to operate, reduces night curfew time. All you need to know

The decision to relax lockdown norms was taken during a meeting called by Karnataka chief minister B S Yediyurappa at his Bengaluru residence on Sunday.

The Karnataka government has further relaxed restrictions related to coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in view of the decline in infections. The decision to relax lockdown norms was taken during a meeting called by chief minister B S Yediyurappa at his Bengaluru residence on Sunday. At the meeting, Karnataka deputy chief minister Dr C N Ashwathnarayan, other ministers and senior officials were present. The decision around the relaxation of lockdown norms includes reopening of cinema theatres, higher educational institutions and night curfew.

The Karnataka government has allowed cinema theatres to operate with 50% occupancy. (AFP / representational image)

Here’s all you need to know about the new guidance:

• The government has allowed cinema theatres to operate with 50% occupancy while adhering to Covid-19 protocols from July 19.
• The duration of the night curfew has also been reduced by one hour with effect from Monday.
• The state government said that only those administered with at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine will be allowed to attend colleges and universities, starting July 26.

Karnataka had imposed restrictions in the middle of the raging second Covid wave and was made stringent from May 10 when the state’s daily new infections exceeded 50,000. The government started easing the restrictions from June 14, followed by more relaxations from June 21 and July 5.

The night curfew initially was in force between 7-5pm and was later changed to 9-5pm. From Monday, the night curfew will be in force from 10-5pm.

The Karnataka government has further relaxed the restrictions as the daily Covid-19 cases have come down substantially. On Saturday, the state reported 1,869 new Covid-19 cases, 42 related deaths and 30,082 active cases.

(With inputs from PTI)