The night curfew, which was earlier announced by Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday morning as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19, will be implemented starting December 24. The same has been clarified by an order passed by Chief Secretary Vijaya Bhaskar.
The night curfew will be implemented between 11.00 pm and 5.00 am starting 24 December until January 2, 2021 (till 5.00 am on January 2, 2021), the order said. This is an update from the earlier announcement made by the Chief Minister, who had said the night curfew will be in place between 10 pm and 6 am. In a major exemption, midnight Christmas mass on December 24 night will be permitted following earlier guidelines.
Movement of long-distance night buses, train services and air services will be permitted according to the order. For this, to-and-fro movement of taxis and auto will be permitted for dropping pickup of people to/from bus stops, railway stations or airports. The movement for the same will be allowed on displaying valid tickets, the order said. However, the order has not specified restrictions on interstate travel by road in private vehicles.
The order said that movement of individuals shall remain strictly prohibited between 11.00 pm to 5.00 am, except for essential activities. However, there will be no restriction on movement of all types of goods through trucks, goods vehicles or any goods carriers, including empty vehicles.
Further, all industries/companies/
The same order said that industries or factories which requires 24x7 operations will also be allowed to operate without any restrictions.
The order also said that pubs and bars can remain open on Christmas and New Year's Eve, but DJ parties in nightclubs are barred. The government has said that COVID-19 safety measures will be strictly enforced during Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the city. The government had earlier barred midnight revelries on New Year's Eve on Brigade Road and MG Road.
Update: The order of a night curfew was withdrawn on December 24.