Karnataka Govt Withdraws Night Curfew Orders Hours Before Its Implementation

Chief Minister has also appealed to the people to exercise self-restraint by wearing facemasks, hand hygiene and social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

(Representative Image/ Getty)

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has withdrawn the night curfew order which was to be implemented from from 11 pm till 5 am, starting tonight.The decision to impose night curfew for nine days from tonight was taken on Wednesday in line with the Centre's advice, amid concerns over a new Coronavirus strain spreading in the United Kingdom. In a statement, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said: "In view of the public opinion that there was no need for night curfew, the decision was reviewed and after consulting with cabinet colleagues and senior officials it has been decided to withdraw the night curfew," Yediyurappa said.

Night curfew order, issued earlier, has been withdrawn after reviewing the situation on the suggestion of Technical Advisory Committee: Chief Minister's Office, Karnataka https://t.co/CYSIlI2LQN

— ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2020

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has also appealed to the people to exercise self-restraint by wearing facemasks, hand hygiene and social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Earlier in the day, Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister K. Sudhakar said that the health department is keeping a tight vigil on the passengers who returned from the United Kingdom to Bengaluru after November 25. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the members of the Karnataka Technical Advisory Committee (K-TAC) for Covid-19 at the Chief Minister's home office here, Sudhakar said that those who returned from the UK in the last one month will undergo 28 days' compulsory quarantine. "Health officials will take care of their health for the initial 14 days. After that the individuals will have to voluntarily restrict themselves at their respective homes," he said. IN PICS | Congress In Action Over Farm Laws; Priyanka, Several Others Detained, Rahul Meets President As per reports, around 2,500 passengers have arrived in the state during this period. Responding to the objections raised by the bar and hotel owners' association over the night curfew, Sudhakar earlier maintained that enforcing night curfew decision is never a 'happy decision' but it is 'inevitable' considering public health and safety. The announcement of withdrawal of night curfew in Karnataka is the latest U-turn by the Yediyurappa administration. On Tuesday, the CM said a night curfew was "not needed right now”. However, on Wednesday, the state government announced the imposition of a statewide night curfew as per advice from Government of India and the Technical Advisory Committee.