The Karnataka government on Wednesday, 23 December, imposed a night curfew between 10 pm and 6 am in the state, news agency ANI reported, quoting Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.
The curfew, which was initially supposed to begin from Wednesday, will now begin from Thursday, 24 December, the chief minister’s office later said in a statement.
The curfew will remain in place till 2 January, including Christmas eve.
There will be no restrictions on goods vehicles, and movement of long-distance buses/trains/air services during the night curfew, the CMO said. Employees of industries and companies, which require 24/7 operations, will also be allowed.
According to the CMO, special rituals (midnight mass) can be held without interruption on Christmas night. Christmas festivities shall be permitted as per the guidelines issued in 17 December.
CM Yediyurappa said that the decision was taken due to the new COVID-19 strain, post consultation with the Union government and the Technical Advisory Committee.
Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said that the night curfew has been implemented to prevent and contain the new strain of coronavirus found in the UK.
“We are also monitoring international passengers arriving in the state,” he said, added ANI.
The health minister further said that no function or celebration will be allowed to take place after 10 pm during this period, a rule which would also apply on Christmas.
Yediyurappa also said that those coming from other countries must have a COVID-19 negative certificate that they have procured within 72 hours, The News Minute reports.
(With inputs from The News Minute and ANI.)
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