Karnataka today lifted the weekend curfew, however, the night restrictions (10 pm-5 am) will continue as part of efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus.

The Technical Advisory Committee said that Covid cases are increasing, but hospitalization is not significant and hence decided to lift the weekend curfew.

"The weekend curfew on Saturday and Sunday is being lifted. This decision has been taken based on the experts' report and is subject to conditions. Now, the rate of hospitalization is about 5 percent. In case it increases, we will re-impose the weekend curfew," Revenue Minister R Ashoka said after the Covid review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

The Minister appealed to people not to allow weekend curfew to be put in place again by urging them to follow Covid guidelines and precautionary measures.

"There has been demand from people, various organizations, and political leaders from across party lines to lift the weekend curfew, but we have taken this decision based on experts' reports. However, the night curfew between 10 pm to 5 am every day will continue, along with a 50 percent occupancy rule among others," he added.

The restrictions on protests, rallies, fairs, and events will continue, the Minister further said.

Gyms, malls, and theatres will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity.  

"Since positivity rate is more in Bengaluru (state capital), schools and colleges will continue to be shut, " said BC Nagesh, Education Minister.

Karnataka on Thursday reported 47,754 cases of COVID-19, the most cases by any state, and 29 deaths.

The total number of active cases across the state is now 2,93,231.