COVID restrictions return in Bengaluru

In view of rising COVID cases in Bengaluru and other districts, Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority imposes restrictions to contain the virus.

In view of rising COVID cases, on April 2, the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) issued an order imposing restrictions in public spaces.

The situation of COVID in Karnataka has been reviewed and it has been observed that there has been a persistent rise in the number of COVID cases in the State during the last month, the order said. Further, a large number of social, religious and public gatherings like marriages, political rallies are being witnessed in which COVID appropriate behaviour is not being followed which may cause a setback in the appreciable gains made in the suppression of the chain of transmission of COVID cases in Karnataka.


Read more: BBMP stepping up fight against second wave


Exercising powers conferred under Section 22 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the State Executive Committee, SDMA, directed BBMP Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, and all authorities concerned to ensure that a list of restrictions be enforced, along with the observance of COVID appropriate behaviour, it said.

COVID cases in Bengaluru spiked from 243 per day in February to about 3000 cases per day in March. Pic: BBMP Commissioner/Twitter

The restrictions imposed are:

  1. Classes 6 to 9 including Vidyagama shall be suspended. Classes 10, 11 and 12 can continue in the existing mode. However, attendance to these classes in person is not mandatory.
  2. Classes of higher & professional courses shall be suspended, except classes due for Board/University examinations and of Health Sciences.
  3. Boarding schools and residential hostels shall be closed, except for the students of classes 10, 11, 12 and for students of higher and professional courses appearing in Board/University examination and Health Sciences.
  4. In the places of worships individuals are permitted to visit and offer prayers only. There shall be no gatherings, functions, etc.
  5. In Apartment complexes, the common facilities like gym, party hall, club house, swimming pool, etc shall remain closed.
  6. Gym and Swimming Pools shall remain closed.
  7. Rallies, dharnas, etc for any reason shall be prohibited.
  8. Number of persons in public transport, shall not exceed the seating capacity.
  9. The practice of work from home shall be followed in offices and work places as far as possible.
  10. In cinema halls, alternate seating subject to a maximum of 50per cent seating capacity only shall be allowed in the districts of Bengaluru Urban and Rural including BBMP, Mysuru, Kalburgi, Dakshin Kannada, Udupi, Bidar and Dharwad. Strict COVID Appropriate Behavior (CAB) like ensuring wearing of masks, physical distancing, provision of hand sanitizer/hand wash shall be enforced.
  11. In the districts of Bengaluru Urban & Rural including BBMP, Mysuru, Kalburgi, Dakshin Kannada, Udupi, Bidar and Hubali-Dharwad, the number of customers in pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants shall not exceed 50 per cent of the capacity.
  12. COVID Appropriate Behavior (CAB) like ensuring wearing of a mask, physical distancing provision of hand sanitiser/hand wash shall be enforced. If there is any violation in pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants, the facility shall be closed till the COVID epidemic is over.
  13. In shopping malls, closed markets, departmental stores, etc strict enforcement of COVID Appropriate Behavior (CAB) like ensuring wearing of masks, physical distancing, provision of hand sanitiser/hand wash shall be enforced. If there is any violation, the facility shall be closed till the COVID epidemic is over.
  14. The restrictions on public gatherings and congregations during religious festivals and jathras/fairs shall continue.
  15. The number of persons permitted for different activities will continue as per the circular issued on March 12, 2021.
  16. The existing regulations/orders regarding wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing in public places shall be strictly implemented by the police authorities and local bodies.

Read more: It isn’t over: Bengaluru’s fight and the pandemic


In case any person is found violating the aforesaid instructions, the defaulting person(s) shall be proceeded against as per the provisions of section 51 to 60 of Disaster Management Act, 2005, Section 188 of IPC and Section 4, 5 and 10 of the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020.

The above restrictions and prohibitions will be in effect till April 20, 2021.

[This article is based on an order issued by the Executive Committee of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) dated April 2, 2021, and has been published with minimal edits.]

Also Read:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Similar Story

Lok Sabha 2024: Know your MP – Gopal Shetty, Mumbai North

An established politician and a popular figure, MP Gopal Shetty has courted controversies as well as got people's support.

Name: Gopal Chinayya Shetty Constituency: Mumbai North Member of Parliament, Gopal Chinayya Shetty, 69 has been representing the area that falls under Mumbai North constituency in various capacities. First, he worked as a local corporator for three terms since 1992 and later, went on to become Mumbai’s deputy mayor. After that he rose to the state assembly from the Maharashtra legislative assembly from 2004 to 2014.  Since then, Shetty has been representing the Mumbai North constituency for two Parliamentary terms. In 2014, Shetty defeated Congress’ Sanjay Nirupam by polling in 70.1% of the voteshare by getting 6,64,004 votes as against…

Similar Story

Civic participation essential for effective BMC budget, say experts

In absence of elected representatives, holding the BMC accountable for planning and implementation of the budget is crucial.

A month after the BMC announced its budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, experts called for greater citizen participation in the planning and implementation of the budget. Not only is the BMC the richest civic body in the country, but also this year they have announced the highest budget ever at nearly Rs. 60,000 crore. Secondly, elections have not taken place after the term of the previous elected officials ended in March 2022. The Municipal Commissioner, appointed as the administrator, has been at the helm of the civic body's functioning for two years now. The corporation was put under an administrator…