Govt offices to stay shut on all Saturdays from July 10
BENGALURU:
In yet another change in state government guidelines to get on top of the growing Covid case load in Karnataka, a lockdown will be imposed statewide every Sunday with effect from July 5. The only exceptions to the Sunday ban will be essential services and supplies. Starting June 29, night curfew will run from 8 pm to 5 am, as opposed to the current 9 pm to 5 am. Besides, all government offices shall remain closed on all Saturdays with effect from July 10.
Apart from these stringent measures, other decisions taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Saturday were:
- The BBMP Commissioner was directed to set up more wholesale vegetable markets in the city to prevent overcrowding.
- Officers were directed to set up a centralised bed allocation system for Covid patients.
- The number of Covid ambulances would be enhanced to 250, and there would be separate ambulances to carry the bodies of Covid patients. The police control room’s wireless system is to be used to facilitate easy movement of ambulances.
- Details of nodal officers working for Covid management to be published.
- BBMP Joint Commissioners of 8 zones would have additional responsibilities and KAS officers would be appointed to assist them.
- The services of 180 ESI doctors would be requisitioned and probationary tahsildars would serve as nodal officers for Covid hospitals and Covid care centres.
- Marriage halls, hostels and other institutions in Bengaluru, as well as converted railway coaches, would be used as Covid care centres.
- The Bengaluru Urban DC was tasked with identifying more places for the last rites of Covid victims and forming teams to conduct the last rites.
- The BBMP Commissioner was directed to notify reservation of 50 per cent of beds in medical colleges and private hospitals.
- The BBMP Commissioner was also directed to notify the tie-up with hotels with hospitals to prevent any shortage of beds.
