Covid-hit Bengaluru unlocks, life returns to near normal

Bengaluru, July 22 (IANS) India’s tech city unlocked on Wednesday to return to near normal after the 9-day lockdown was re-imposed on July 14 to contain the coronavirus spread.

“The city bounced back to life after the renewed lockdown ended at 5 a.m, with thousands of people stepping out of homes wearing mask to get back to work or resume their daily chores,” a state home department official told IANS.

With state-run bus service resuming and autos and taxis plying, the city’s main roads were choke-a-bloc with vehicular traffic, as shops, business establishments, offices, shopping malls, restaurants and eateries re-opened.

“As metro service remains suspended and buses limiting passengers from boarding to maintain physical distancing, several roads were grid-locked with more people using personal vehicles for commuting,” the official said.

Though Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa declared on Tuesday there won’t be lockdowns hereafter in the city or anywhere in the state, schools, colleges, cinema theatres, multiplexes, gyms and fruits and vegetable markets remained shut to avoid crowds and risk of being infected.

“As per unlock 3.0 guidelines, curfew will be in force from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily and lockdown will be observed across the state on Sunday (July 26) and August 2,” the official noted.

Heavy vehicular traffic was witnessed through the day on city’s thoroughfares leading to state and national highways, as the police removed road-blocks and barricades at check-posts for allowing intra-state and inter-state movement.

Restriction on movement of people and vehicles remains in the containment zones across the city to prevent the virus spreading and reduce the infections.

The three main agricultural commodity markets in the city remained shut to prevent crowding and traffic congestion.

“Major markets in the city will remain shut till July 31, as people visiting them for purchases don’t wear mask or maintain social distance,” said city civic body official N. Manjunatha Prasad.

Of the 3,649 Covid cases recorded on Tuesday, 1,714 were reported from Bengaluru, taking its tally to 34,943, including 26,746 active cases.

–IANS

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