Bhatkal: The Uttara Kannada district has been categorized under the Orange zone. In wake of this, except Bhatkal, the shops and business establishments in all the other taluks in the district shall start operating between 7 AM to 1 PM till May 17, stated Uttara Kannada district In-Charge Minister Shivaram Hebbar.

Speaking after chairing a meet with officials of district administration in Sirsi, Minister Shivaram Hebbar said that the shops in rural areas shall remain open from 7 AM to 7 PM, while in the urban area's, shops including haircutting saloons, beauty parlours, and ice cream will be allowed to open from 7 AM to 1 PM.

"Only one passenger will be allowed to board in auto-rickshaws. In view of maintaining social distance strictly, only takeaway facilities would be availed in hotels, whereas the liquor shops will be permitted to function only between 9 AM to 3 PM", he said.

He also added saying that no busses will ply. Those arriving state from Goa will be allowed to enter tomorrow. The Goa bus shall board the passengers till state borders, while from there onwards Karnataka buses will carry the passengers in to the state. The passengers shall be screened before allowing them to move their destinations.

All these norms will continue to be implemented in the district until May 17, followed with the Central government's instructions thereafter. He requested the people to maintain social distancing strictly.

The last case of COVID-19 in Bhatkal reported on 14th April, following no more cases since then. Also Bhatkal alone in the district reported 11 cases of COVID-19 positive, the town shall continue to remain locked until May 17. It is also to be noted that all the infected patients here have recovered and discharged successfully.