Karnataka to impose heavy fines on those violating Covid guidelines

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Wednesday announced a fine of Rs 250 for not wearing a face mask in public in any Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) area.

The state government issued the order in a bid to ensure that the public follows COVID-19 protocols. The order said that no more than 200 people will be permitted to attend weddings in closed spaces while in open places, the limit is 500.

For birthday parties and other celebrations, up to 100 people can attend in open spaces, while 50 can attend in close areas. “Not more than 100 people will be allowed to attend funerals in closed spaces.

For funerals in closed areas and cremations/burials, the limit is 50 persons,” as per a statement issued by the government. Moreover, if non-air-conditioned party halls and department stores found flouting the guidelines will be fined Rs 5,000, whereas air-conditioned halls, branded shops and shopping malls will have to pay Rs 10,000.

In the last 24 hours, Karnataka reported as many as 2,298 new COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths, the state health department informed on Wednesday.

The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 9,75,955, including 9,46,589 recoveries and 16,886 active cases. The death toll in the state stands at 12,461.