Karnataka COVID cases cross one lakh mark

Bengaluru: With 5324 new Covid-19 cases being reported on Monday, Karnataka’s total Coronavirus cases crossed the 1 lakh mark ending at 1,01465 even as the number of people who succumbed to the pandemic neared 2000.

The state has 61,819 active cases as on Monday. Bengaluru reported 1470 new Covid cases taking the total to 46,923. Cases are also on the rise in Ballari (840) and Kalburgi (631).

To deal with the rising number of cases in the Capital, the state government on Monday threw open the largest Covid Care Centre at the sprawling Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) on the outskirts of the city.

The new facility will have 10,100 beds, of which 6,500 beds became operational in the first phase. The Centre was supposed to be opened last month, but got delayed as it got mired in controversy after opposition leaders levelled charges of corruption in buying beds and other materials at a high cost.

Of the 6500 beds, 5,000 are reserved for Covid patients and 1,500 beds are for healthcare workers who test positive for coronavirus.

The centre also has an entertainment section with televisions and sofas.

Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa is keen on reopening of theatres and gyms

Meanwhile, sources said Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa is keen on reopening of theatres and gyms, if the Centre leaves the decision to the states as part of Unlock 3.0. But with restrictions that are reported to come with it, most producers, distributors and theatre owners seem reluctant in resuming bite the bullet.

However, swimming pools and schools would remain shut.