The Karnataka government on Thursday withdrew its night curfew order, hours before it was scheduled to be implemented.
The decision to impose night curfew for nine days from 11 pm to 5 am starting from Thursday was taken on Wednesday in line with the Centre's advice, amid concerns over a new COVID-19 variant spreading in the UK.
In a statement, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said: "In view of the public opinion that there was no need for night curfew, the decision was reviewed and after consulting with cabinet colleagues and senior officials it has been decided to withdraw the night curfew," Yediyurappa said.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people to exercise self-restraint by wearing facemasks, hand hygiene and social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The Karnataka government had decided to impose a night curfew from December 23 night till January 2 across the state amid growing concerns over the new Covid-19 strain.
“In view of the new stain of the COVID-19 virus and as per the advice of the Government of India and Technical Advisory Committee, it is decided to impose night curfew from today till January 2, 2021 between 10 pm and 6 am and will be applicable for the entire state. I request all public to cooperate to prevent and contain the new Covid-19 strain,” Yediyurappa had told reporters.