As the Indian government plans exit strategies to resume normal life after the Coronavirus lockdown, the Karnataka government decides to ease lockdown 2.0 restrictions. Here’s the latest developments. By Upasana Singh
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After days of reviewing its options, the Karnataka government has decided to ease lockdown 2.0 from April 23. A range of services from private clinics and veterinary centers to home repairs involving self-employed workers such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and mechanics can now work under the new guidelines.
A government order has stated that although many services will start their operations, the relaxations will not apply to COVID-19 hotspots and containment zones. Educational institutions will also remain closed and non-essential travel is barred everywhere. Mass gatherings continue to be banned but a maximum of 20 people will be allowed to attend funerals.
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People who live on a daily income such as carpenters, motor mechanics, and plumbers will need police passes to resume work. Social distancing norms and wearing masks must be maintained despite relaxations. Hotels, home stays, lodges, and motels can now function to accommodate people who are stranded in the lockdown.
Other activities allowed to resume in the state include hotels for parcel services, agriculture producers, marketing committee yards, production of cement, steel, tiles and bricks, food processing industries, cold storage, warehousing services, and container depots. While inter-district and inter-state travel remains suspended, dhabas have been allowed to function on highways to ensure food for truckers; given the condition that they are located at a distance of 20 km from each other.
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The Hindu reported, 33 per cent of the workforce of IT-BT companies is allowed to attend office after April 20. State chief secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar told the Times of India, “We will allow only critical staff, who are identified and issued passes, to function. The others will continue to work from home.” In the next few days, the Karnataka government will review various other sectors to determine when they can start operating.
The number of Coronavirus cases are starting to decline in Karnataka. In efforts to revive the economy, the state government has taken this decision to resume certain essential services amidst lockdown 2.0.
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