Bengaluru: In wake of the second wave of the novel coronavirus in the state, the Karnataka government has imposed a night curfew starting from April 10 to April 20, dampening the spirits for hotel and transport sectors.
Night curfew will be observed in Bengaluru, Mysore, Mangalore, Kalaburagi, Bidar, Tumkur and Udupi districts.
Meanwhile, the owners of the hotels and transport sectors have expressed their dissatisfaction over the decision to impose a night curfew. They said that it will affect business as it has already been affected due to the prior lockdown.
"Bar and restaurants business is usually during evenings from 8 to 10. Most of the customers finish work and visit our establishments during that time. Night curfew in place it will be a huge loss to us," said PC Rao, president, hotel owners association.
"In addition to this government has also passed an order of 50% seating capacity, this order will take away our half of business. We see night curfew as an unscientific method," he added.
"The City operates till 1 am, from restaurant pickups to office-home commute citizens rely on transport. This unscientific method of night curfew is an eyewash to people by the government by showing it is controlling the spread of the pandemic. Won't the virus spread during the night?" said Ola Uber taxi drivers association president Tanveer Pasha.
"We demand Chief minister BS Yediyurappa to allow the business of all sectors till 1 a.m," he added.
Bengaluru police commissioner Kamal Panth has informed that all business establishments must be closed by 9:30 p.m.
"Post 10 pm there must be no movement of citizens unless it is an emergency. The city's major roads will have police checkpoints and all flyovers will be closed to restrict unnecessary movements. If any of the rules are violated case will be lodged," he said.
Notably, the decision to implement the corona night curfew was passed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi interaction with all chief ministers on 8th April. Karnataka government has made it clear apart from essential services all business and movements will be restricted during curfew hours.
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