Bengaluru: The state government, on Wednesday, April 22, announced that it would patially relax the lockdown norms in Karnataka from 12 AM April 23 (tomorrow) onwards.

However, these relaxations are applicable only outside the COVID-19 containment zones that the state government has already identified, according to the order issued by Chief Secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar.

Only certain construction works, manufacturing of packaging materials, courier services etc. will be permitted during the lockdown.

Additionally, services provided by self-employed people like electricians, IT repairmen, plumbers, mechanics and carpenters in local areas can also start their operations.

Tea, coffee and rubber plantations, as well as the packaging, sale and marketing activities for these products can now continue with 50 per cent of the work force.

These activities will be operationalised by District Administrations and the BBMP, before which they have to ensure that precausionary and social distancing measures are in place.

Apart from the aforementioned activities, manufacturing units of essential goods like drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, their raw materials and intermediates; food processing industries in rural areas, coal production (mines and mineral production and activities incidental to mining) besides manufacturing units of packaging materials are also permitted to function.

Hospitality services, bars, malls, theatres, shopping complexes, places of worship etc. will continue to remain shut. Public transport will also remain suspended till May 3, however, private vehicles with passes for emergency services and personnel commuting for doctors and other essential workers are also exempted from the lockdown.