Coronavirus outbreak: Karnataka – What is open and closed in the state

 With Karnataka reporting India’s first coronavirus death on Thursday, chief minister BS Yediyurappa said that malls, universities and colleges, movie theatres, night clubs, big weddings and conferences and other public gatherings with high footfall will be closed or cancelled for a week, as a precautionary measure amid the growing scare of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Let’s take a look at what will be shut for a week. 

Bars and pubs closed: Pubs and other avenues for large gatherings in the state have been banned for another one week in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

No foreign travel, sports events banned: The Karnataka health department has asked companies not to send their employees overseas, as part of measures to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and infecting more people on their return to India. All sporting events too have been cancelled.

Colleges and schools shut, only simple wedding ceremonies to be held: Universities and colleges will also remain closed for a week in addition to the holidays declared for pre-primary, primary and high school students. Very simple weddings have been advised with not more than 100 people in attendance.

Birthday, engagement functions stalled: The rules include restrictions on even private events like wedding, naming ceremony, engagement or birthday parties, directing the organising parties to ensure that such events do not lead to the gathering of a large number of people.

Exams to be held as per schedule, no summer camps: Schools, even colleges and universities have been shut. CM Yediyurappa also said that all IT professionals and those working in AC rooms are also advised to work from home. Summer camps, swimming classes are closed for across the state.

No cinema halls, malls, exhibitions, fairs, functions in temples: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) issued a circular on the restrictions in the city that includes closure of places of mass gatherings, marriage halls, among other places.