Karnataka imposes night curfew amid concerns over new UK Covid strain

BENGALURU: Night curfew has been imposed in Karnataka as per the suggestions given by the technical advisory committee. Meanwhile, the health department is keeping vigil on passengers who have returned from the United Kingdom, said Heath & Medical Education Minister Dr K. Sudhakar.

Dr Sudhakar held a detailed discussion with the members of the technical advisory committee earlier on Wednesday morning. The meeting was significant on the backdrop of reports of a new strain of coronavirus found in the UK. Later Dr Sudhakar met Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa at his official residence and briefed him on the suggestions provided by experts in the meeting.

Speaking to the media after CM’s briefing, the minister said that a decision has been taken to impose night curfew in the state. Night curfew will be imposed starting Wednesday from 10 pm to 6 am till 2 January 2021. People are advised to wind up their activities by 10 pm. Unnecessary gatherings and celebrations are prohibited. The minister requested the citizens to cooperate as the decision is taken in the interest of public health and safety.

Detailed guidelines will be out soon regarding the permitted activities and restrictions, he said.

Health department officials will keep vigilance on those returned from the UK from 25 November to 22 December. They will undergo 28 days’ compulsory quarantine. Health officials will take care of their health for the initial 14 days. After that individuals have to voluntarily restrict themselves at home, he said. At least 2,500 passengers have arrived in the state during this period. Details of the passengers are available and every single passenger will be kept under strict vigilance. RTPCR test will be conducted if symptomatic, the Minister said.

Responding to the objections raised by the Bar and Hotel owners association for night curfew, Dr Sudhakar clarified that the night curfew decision is not a happy decision but it is inevitable considering the public health and safety curfew has been imposed.

There are no restrictions for any activities before 10 pm and all agricultural activities including transportation and marketing of farm produce will not be affected, he said.