Bengaluru: In the wake of rising covid cases caused by a new variant BF.7, in some parts of the world, the Karnataka government today issued fresh guidelines for new year celebrations. In Karnataka, masks are mandatory in closed spaces like restaurants, pubs, theatres, schools, and colleges. In addition, the state allows New Year celebrations to last until 1 a.m.
“There’s no need to panic. But we have to take precautions from now on,” K Sudhakar, Karnataka’s health minister, said on Tuesday.
Government officials recommended that children, pregnant ladies, the elderly and individuals with health problems stay away from public gatherings, adding that the number of people allowed inside closed door events should not exceed the number of seats. In schools, face masks, sanitisers, and vaccinations will be mandatory.
According to the Chief Minister, preventive and precautionary measures will be implemented phase-by-phase without adversely affecting the economy of the common man.
On Monday, he told reporters that the state cabinet discussed the Covid pandemic and decided to consult with the members of the Technical Advisory Committee in order to increase public awareness, increase vaccinations, test for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), and mandate masks in public and at home. In addition, other preventive measures will be phased in.
According to the Chief Minister, there will be some rules this year too, just as there have been in the past few years. The existing guidelines will be updated with the rise in Covid cases. Additionally, Citizens and the economy will not be affected by the implementation of precautionary measures in stages.
Furthermore, Mr Bommai expressed the hope that the state Assembly’s current session in Belagavi will be fruitful and meaningful. According to him, issues regarding the North Karnataka region must be discussed for a long period of time. Therefore, the Opposition parties will discuss a number of issues, and the government is prepared to debate or discuss anything that arises.
He informed the press that he will leave for New Delhi this evening as discussions with the central leadership on several issues still need to be completed.
“Union Home Minister Amit Shah and several party leaders will attend a meeting called by the BJP National President JP Nadda again. The meeting will discuss all issues, including preparing for the Assembly elections, expanding the cabinet, and filling up vacancies,” he said, adding that he would return to Belagavi tomorrow for the Legislature session.
In addition, BS Bommnai plans to meet with union ministers to discuss state development projects.