Bengaluru in full lockdown mode on Sundays; night curfew timings revised

In view of the rising Covid-19 cases, complete lockdown would be re-imposed in this tech city on every Sunday from July 5 till further order to contain the virus spread, said Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Saturday.

"Lockdown would be imposed every Sunday, with effect from July 5, until further order. No activities will be permitted except essential services and supplies," said Yediyurappa in a statement after an emergency meeting here.

Ironically, the decision to re-impose the lockdown on Sundays came a day after Yediyurappa on Friday ruled out fresh lockdown in the city, as reviving the economy was equally important.

The Secondary School Leaving Examination (SSLC) board exams, which began on June 25 across the southern state, including Bengaluru, end on July 4.

COVID spike calls for strict measures

The decision to re-impose lockdown on Sundays from July 5 came on a day when a record 596 new positive cases were reported from across the city on Saturday, while it was a whopping 918 cases across the southern state, with 11 deaths and 371 discharged.

The night curfew in the city has been advanced to 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. with effect from June 29.

"All government offices will remain closed on Saturday, along with second and fourth Saturday with effect from July 10," said the statement.

The city civic corporation has been directed to set up more wholesale vegetable markets to avoid crowds gathering in them.

"Officials have been directed to centralise bed allocation system to ensure speedy hospitalisation of COVID 19 patients," said the statement.

The civic body has also been told to increase the number of ambulances to 250 for rushing COVID patients to hospitals.

"Separate ambulances will be arranged for carrying bodies of COVID victims. Police control room wireless system should be used to identify the location and enable quick movement of ambulances to hospitals," said the statement.

Chief Minister also directed the state health department to publish details of nodal officers working for COVID management.

"Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) joint commissioners in eight regions across the city will be given additional responsibilities with Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) officers to assist them and reduce the burden on the city civic commissioner and the BBMP's central office," said the statement.

Marriage halls, hostels, other institutions and railway coaches with beds will be reserved to convert them into COVID care centers in the event of a surge in positive or active cases.

(With inputs from IANS)