No relaxation in new COVID-19 guidelines, says Min Sudhakar

Bengaluru: Hinting at no relaxation in the new set of guidelines issued by the State government, amid pressure from various sectors, Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar on Saturday said it was inevitable to take certain strict measures so that things don’t go out of control.

He said the guidelines have been issued on the advice of the technical advisory committee consisting of experts, after examining the situation, and if things are under control by April 20, activities will be allowed to resume.

“The government is not happy by restricting activities. I have been requesting through the media for the last one month that a second wave is at our doorstep and if we don’t understand and take precautionary measures, the government will have no other options and may have to take serious measures,” Sudhakar said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said Karnataka was the first State to resume all the business activities, but the State is today reporting about 5,000 cases per day and 3,500 of them are from Bengaluru alone.

“The technical advisory committee has said this will be there for another two months, till the May end and the graph will start declining from June first week. If we don’t take measures and something untoward happens, won’t it be the government’s responsibility?” he asked.

Aimed at curbing COVID-19 with the spike in cases, the government on Friday in a new set of guidelines had ordered the closure of gyms and swimming pools while capping the seating capacity in theatres at 50 per cent in certain districts.

It has also ordered apartment complexes to shut common facilities such as party halls and clubhouses.

The new restrictions imposed by the government through the guidelines will be in force till April 20.

Noting that the government has issued guidelines after getting several reports from the technical advisory committee, and after consulting senior officials and ministers, Sudhakar said it was not done at one go.

“People from several sectors are saying their activities should not be restricted and should go on freely. Yes, we (govt) too understand, but things should not go out of our control, so it was inevitable for the government to take certain strict measures. We request for cooperation from everyone,” he said.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has decided to meet Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa to bring to his notice the impact of capping the seating capacity in theatres at 50 per cent, on the industry, and is likely to seek relaxation so that it doesn’t impact films that have just been released.

Also, gym owners have demanded the government to reconsider the decision or allow them to operate with 50 per cent capacity or announce a package so that they can make payment for staff and use it for maintenance.

There is pressure from some private schools to allow them to function, similar is the demand from swimming pool and club owners, also people want to hold marriages with large gatherings, the Minister said.

“These measures are not permanent, let’s follow these temporary measures for some days… I’m not saying it (Covid- 19 spread) can be controlled 100 per cent by these measures, but we can try to bring things under control,” he said.

Responding to a question, the minister said there are guidelines for elections, and religious places too, there is no concession for any sector or activities.

“The government is only trying to control this pandemic that’s all, there is no politics or any malicious intent behind this,” he said, as he evaded questions on night curfew or weekend lockdown stating that he doesn’t want to speak on what measures will be taken in the future.