Bengaluru’s creative folk and nightlife enthusiast rejoice lifts on Covid-related curbs

On Friday, in what seemed to be welcome news for various industries, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai announced that the state will have some more curbs lifted as the total positivity rate (TPR) for Covid in the state is below 1% at 0.66%. This meant cinema halls, auditoriums, ranga mandiras and pubs to function normally from October 1, with safety caveats in place. Those entering these spaces need to have at least one dose of vaccine.
Cinema halls back to normal capacity, but there are clauses
Starting October 1, cinema halls will be allowed to have 100% occupancy in all districts that have a TPR below 1%.For those districts above 1% and below 2%, the 50% occupancy rule continues. The districts who register a TPR of above 2% will have cinema halls shutting down. In an additional move for caution, pregnant women and children will not be allowed. Standard Covid safety protocols need to be followed. Suraj Gowda, actor and director of Ninna Sanihake that releases on October 8, shares, "This is a welcome move from the government. We respect their decision to wait till the time is right. We now hope people return to cinema halls to celebrate it like it ought to be done."

Auditoriums and ranga mandiras benefit too
The low TPR in the state has also led the government to allow auditoriums and ranaga mandiras to also function with 100% occupancy, with similar caveats in place like those for cinema halls. This has led to many dancers, musicians and theatre persons expressing joy over this move.
October fest for pubs
While the tipplers had some bars and lounges open, now the pubs will finally be able to throw open their doors from October 3. The rules for entry into pubs remain similar to those for cinema halls. A pub owner shares, "Draught beer is one of the most widely selling beverages in cities like Bengaluru. This is good news, hence."
Schools can reopen with full attendance for higher classes
The government has also given a nod for offline classes with full attendance to be conducted for classes 6 to 12 for five days a week.
Extended curfew time
The night curfew still stands imposed, but the curfew has been extended till 10 pm, which allows more breathing time for restaurants, bars and pubs. This also helps cinema halls and performance venues.