Given the surge in Covid-19 cases, the New Year celebrations will be allowed only till 1 AM in pubs, restaurants, and bars.
Published Dec 26, 2022 | 9:12 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 26, 2022 | 9:21 PM
Sandalwood welcomed the Karnataka government's decision to make wearing masks mandatory in theatres. (Only for representation/Creative Commons)
On Monday, 26 December, as part of the precautionary measures, the Karnataka government made wearing face masks inside theatres, schools, and colleges mandatory.
Even as the year-end celebrations are around the corner, Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar’s announcement on the new Covid-19 guidelines came as a dampener for people from various walks of life.
The Karnataka Film Industry welcomed the “mask rule” imposed forthwith.
However, it urged the government to not impose any stringent rules like that in the past which had affected the industry.
Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar. (Supplied)
Actor Shiva Rajkumar, who is basking in the commercial success of his newly released women-centric film Vedha, said that it was important to be cautious.
“Though we aren’t aware of the gravity of the pandemic, at present, and how it is affecting everyone, it is better to be vigilant. We have collectively faced the pandemic in the past with multiple waves striking one after another. We have to just face it,” he said.
“One must also understand that the freedom of an individual is not affected either. Yes, the pandemic is still not over. But the people are aware of precautionary measures to be taken. Just follow the rules and be careful,” he observed.
Masks have been made mandatory inside movie theatres, schools&colleges. Masks will be mandatory to celebrate the New Year in pubs, restaurants & bars. New Year celebrations to end before 1 am. No need to panic, just have to take precautions: Karnataka Health Minister
(file pic) pic.twitter.com/cUY63BcaRG
— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2022
Umesh Banakar of the Kannada Film Producers’ Association said wearing masks was never an issue.
But what concerns him was when further stringent measures such as only 50 percent seat capacity and social-distancing inside theatres premises are enforced.
“The film industry was the first to face the brunt of it all. It is somehow limping back to normalcy,” he said.
“When the pandemic was at its peak, Sandalwood was almost on the brink of collapse as theatres were shut down,” he recalled.
“We only request the government to not impose such regulations without assessing the real situation,” he added.
Masks now mandatory inside theatres, schools and colleges in Karnataka
New year celebrations allowed till 1 AM amid #COVID concern.
— Ayyappan (@Ayyappan_1504) December 26, 2022
Former president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce KV Chandrashekhara. (Supplied)
Former president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, and the Karnataka Film Exhibitors’ Association, KV Chandrashekhara told South First that they will follow the guidelines of the state government.
“We will put up boards in front of the theatres urging movie audiences to mandatorily wear masks while they are inside the premises,” he said.
“However, according to me, such rules and guidelines should be enforced everywhere.”
He added: “How do we respond to a few who question us on wearing masks if it’s not made mandatory in political functions, rallies, and other public places.”
Meanwhile, Rao also issued several guidelines regarding the New Year celebrations.
For starters, the celebrations are permitted only till 1 am in pubs, restaurants, and bars.
“Masks will be mandatory for New Year celebrations as well. There is no need to panic, but people just need to remain cautious,” the minister asserted.
