For the People in Karnataka who were hoping for some relief from lock down were in for a shock , when the high level meeting of the Chief Minister decided for a very minimal relaxation of restrictions as per the Technical Advisory Committee’s recommendations in the meeting . The decision was

1. There will be no change in the existing guidelines for Chickmagalur, Shivamogga, Davanagere, Mysuru, Chamarajanagara, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, Bengaluru Rural, Mandya, Belagavi and Kodagu districts which have high positivity rate. Which means that existing guidelines will be applicable in these districts. Powers have been entrusted to DCs to bring in stringent action in consultation with the District in charge Ministers.
2. In rest of the districts as per the guidelines issued by the Government earlier, the following relaxations will be in effect from 6.00 am on 14th June – 2021 to 6.00 am 21st June 2021.

*All industries are allowed to operate with 50 % staff. But garment factories can only operate with 30% of employees.

· Timings for shops essential goods has been extended from present 6 to 10 am to 2 pm.

· All construction activities are allowed to start. All shops pertaining to construction activities like cement and steel are allowed to open.

· Parks will be open to public from 5 am to 10 am in the morning.

· Street vendors are allowed to carry out their business from 6 am to 2 pm.

· Only 2 passengers are allowed to travel in Autos and taxis.

· Covid curfew will be imposed from 7 pm to 5 am.

· Weekend curfew will be enforced from Friday 7 pm to Monday 5 am.

While Bengaluru city was hoping for some relief , trade and businesses will have to wait till such time that things improve as far as numbers are concerned. The decision left many trade bodies , especially Trade Bodies , Hoteliers and Restauranteers in a tizzy, as the unlock process gives them no relief.