Bengaluru (Karnataka): Amid a surge of COVID-19 cases, Karnataka Government has decided to impose complete lockdown every Sunday in the state till August 2.
"The state is under total lockdown throughout the day -- all activities are shut and vehicular movement barred except for essential supplies and services," a Home Department official told media here.
The complete lockdown has been reimposed on Sundays from July 5 to August 2 across the state to confine citizens at home and restrict their activities or movements.
The state observed a similar total lockdown on the third Sunday (May 24) and fourth Sunday (May 31) during lockdown 4.0 to prevent people from violating social distancing norms in public places.
"With daily night curfew from 8 pm, the Sunday lockdowns will continue till 5 am on Mondays till August 2 to ensure people stay home safe and not risk infection by going out for any reason," said the official.
Additional police were deployed in cities and towns across the state to ensure the lockdown is strictly observed.
"A ban order under Section 144 of the CrPC has also been imposed to prevent movement of people and vehicles," police said.
The police also sealed the inter-state borders to prevent public movement from neighbouring states, as bus services and transportation of goods remain suspended till Monday morning.
"Only ambulances and vehicles on essential duty are allowed to ply during the curfew period. Shops selling medicines, groceries, vegetables, fruits, and poultry and meat products have been allowed to open, ensuring customers maintain physical distancing and stand in queues," said the official.
In an appeal to the state's residents, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa urged them to abide by the lockdown on all Sundays till August 2 to contain the virus spread.
"We have reached a crucial stage in the war against Covid-19. Follow guidelines in the interest and welfare of all to fight the pandemic. Stay at home to be safe," said Yediyurappa.
The state government, however, allowed weddings prefixed on Sundays amid the lockdown with a slew of riders to ensure the health and social distancing.
However, essential activities will be permitted during the curfew. Marriages that were already fixed on Sundays would also be allowed under the new guidelines.
"Lockdown starts at 8 pm on Saturday and concludes at 5 am Monday in Bangalore city. Respected citizens, just stay home and don't ask for exceptions as this is being done in everybody's interest, heavens won't fall if you postpone by a day. Please exercise self-discipline and cooperate. Happy Sunday," Bengaluru City Commissioner of Police Bhaskar Rao said in a tweet.
On Saturday, the state government had imposed a total lockdown under the areas of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). While the lockdown started from 8 pm last evening, it would continue till 5 am Monday morning, with the only sale of essential items permitted.
Till now as many as 19,710 cases have been reported from Karnataka, out of which 8,805 patients have recovered. A total number of 293 people have lost their lives due to the pandemic.
(ANI)
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