Karnataka government ends weekend curfew in districts bordering Kerala, Maharashtra

The Karnataka government has ended the weekend curfew in the border districts of Kerala and Maharashtra following a decrease in the number of new Covid-19 cases. The decision was taken in a meeting held on Thursday and orders were issued later in the evening.

The state-wide Covid-19 positivity rate stood at 0.73 per cent and it has come down below 2 per cent in all the districts. The expert committee had recommended weekend curfew in districts that recorded more than 2 per cent of Covid positivity.

The bordering districts especially, Kodagu, Mysuru, Dakshina Kannada which borders Kerala have also recorded fewer cases, as well as a low positivity rate. The number has also decreased in Chamarajnagar and Hassan districts, where a large number of students and workers commuted from Kerala. 

The state government had recently issued a circular for all educational institutions and companies to restrict the movement of people from Kerala. The Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada also issued a directive restricting the movements from and towards Kerala till October 31.

The state government has given authority to the respective District Commissioners to take a call on imposing weekend curfews and other measures based on the Covid situation. However, night curfew will continue in the state including the border districts, from 9 pm. to 6 am. 

The government has also directed authorities of the border districts of Kerala and Maharashtra to strengthen checkposts.

(IANS)