BENGALURU: With the third wave of Covid-19 showing steady signs of abating, the Karnataka government on Friday lifted the curbs imposed on film theatres, gyms, yoga centres and swimming pools and permitted 100% occupancy in these places from Saturday.
Revised guidelines say entry is restricted to those who are asymptomatic and double-vaccinated. However, the existing restrictions imposed on public functions, weddings, religious and political congregations will continue.
"The Covid situation in Karnataka has remarkably improved with hospitalisation coming down from 5%-6% in January to 2% now. Considering the losses suffered by various sectors, especially the distress of the film industry, the chief minister has obliged to permit 100% occupancy in film theatres, gyms, yoga centres and swimming pools," health minister K Sudhakar told reporters after a review meeting chaired by chief minister Basavaraj Bommai.
Replying to a query on the ebbing third wave, Sudhakar said the test positivity rate is coming down swiftly and hospitalisation remained low. "We had anticipated that the Omicron-induced wave would recede as fast as it peaked. Our assessment was right," he added.
The fresh guidelines mandate checking of people for fever and sanitization of hands. It is mandatory for people to wear N95 facemasks throughout the show in theatres and strict adherence to Covid-appropriate behavior.
The attendance at weddings is limited to 300 people in open spaces and 200 people in indoor events. Religious places can open for darshan and other sevas with entry restricted to 50 people. All political rallies, dharnas, protests, social and religious congregations are prohibited.
