Karnataka government bans New Year party, announces night curfew from Dec 28 to Jan 6
Karnataka government imposed night curfew starting from December 28 to January 6. Speaking to the press after the expert meeting, Health Minister K Sudhakar said the government also has banned New Year celebrations in public places and resorts.
FollowAfter meeting with technical experts at Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai's official residence, Health Minister K Sudhakar announced that the Karnataka government has imposed a 10-dayn night curfew starting from December 28, 2021 to January 6, 2022.
The decision comes in the wake of the Covid variant Omicron cases surge. The government is likely to publish guidelines soon in this regard. The minister also said that the government also has made 50 per cent occupancy rules in pubs, restaurants and banned any gatherings at pubs, bars; and also theatres and malls should shut by 10 pm.
The minister said the night curfew will begin from 10 pm and will be in place till the next day 5 am and any unwanted public movement will be questioned. Office goers and workers returning from work or heading to work for the night shift will have to carry an identity card.
For wedding events during these 10 days, only 300 people are allowed to gather and all the attendees must have Covid negative report. There is no restriction for food delivery boys.
Hotel and Auto Drivers' Association says decision will impact business:
PC Rao, president, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Hotel Association said that the decision by the government has come very late as hotels, pubs and restaurants which are at loss due to Covid and lockdown have already planned for New Year celebrations. 'From the Excise department alone, the state exchequer will incur a loss of Rs 120 crore if New Year's celebrations are banned.
He also questioned the logic of allowing 100 per cent occupancy in theatre, travel in buses post 10, allowing crowds at the revenue office for the registration purposes. He said that this decision exposed the government's double standard.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Auto Drivers Association said that this is a very bad decision from the government. The members of the association contended that they expected some business during New Year but with restrictions, it will impact their income.
Tourist spots to be shut from Dec 31 to Jan 1:
Popular tourist spots Nandi Hills and Bandipur, similarly safari at Bandipur in Mysuru will be shut for the public on December 31 and Jan 1. The decision was taken anticipating a huge crowd and also due to the Omicron spike in the state.
