Karnataka Lockdown: Liquor Will Be Available Despite Curbs?

Karnataka government announced that during lockdown the liquor shops can stay open only during a given time. The permitted time is between 6 am to 10 am. Liquor stores and breweries can do their sales during this time and not beyond that. Similarly, SPMC mandis will also be allowed to work only between 6 to 10 am in morning.

The Excise Department released an order regarding the liquor stores and sales. The staff at these stores must work while wearing mask and gloves. They must follow all the important Covid regulations. These rules must be followed or they can be fined.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa announced a 14- day lockdown in the State starting from Tuesday night to control the surge of COVID cases.  During this time, shops selling essential items, including medical and food items will be allowed to open from 6 to 10 am.

The decision came shortly after Karnataka Minister MTB Nagaraj was quoted as saying that the coronavirus infections were spreading across the state at a rapid speed.

Karnataka has reported another biggest single-day spike of 34,804 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total caseload to 13.39 lakh.  The number of deaths was at 143  which has pushed the toll to 14,426, the Health Department said on Sunday. Bengaluru Urban alone accounted for 20,733 cases. 

Despite Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa announced that construction, manufacturing, and agriculture will continue, migrant farmers and settlers are returning to their villages, fearing that the crisis will worsen. 

Border areas like Madakasira, Kalyanadurgam, and Rayadurgam in Anantapur districts, Adoni, Emiganur, and Mantralayam in Kurnool, Madanapalle in Chittoor district have close access to Karnataka.