Karnataka eases lockdown to allow limited economic activity

The Karnataka government has decided to ease many lockdown restrictions from April 23. Services from private clinics and vet centres to home repairs involving carpenters, plumbers, electricians and mechanics will be allowed except in containment zones.

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday will ease many lockdown restrictions including allowing services from private clinics and vet centres to home repairs involving carpenters, plumbers, electricians and mechanics.

"However the easing of restrictions will not be permitted in COVID-19 affected areas in the state which will be declared as containment zones," Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa told media here.

"It was decided that there will be no restrictions on the transportation of essential goods, as well as construction materials like gravel, sand, cement and steel," he said.

Construction workers will be allowed to stay where they are employed, he added.

The Chief Minister said 33 per cent of the workforce of IT-BT companies will be allowed to attend office after April 20.

The Offices 11 districts of Karnataka will also remain open while maintaining social distancing norms.

Although guidelines will be relaxed in the green zones from tomorrow, we request you to still maintain social distancing and stay at home, whether in the green zone or outside, Yediyurappa tweeted yesterday.

There would be no restrictions on use of two wheelers after April 20 and that restrictions on sale of liquor would continue till May 3, the CM added.

The Sub-registrar offices will remain open in green zones.

(With inputs from PTI)