Image Source: INDIA TODAY

The Karnataka government on Monday said shops selling essentials including milk, groceries and vegetables, would be permitted to open from 5 am to 12 pm in the city and outskirts during the week-long lockdown from Tuesday night to check rising COVID-19 cases. However, aimed at minimizing the movement of individuals outside their homes, home delivery of essential items will be allowed, the guidelines issued by the government for lockdown in Benqaluru Urban and Rural districts said. With a spike in COVID-19 cases, the state government on Saturday had announced complete lockdown in the two districts from Tuesday 8 pm to 5 am on July 22. According to the orders issued by Chief Secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar, Hotels and restaurants shall be permitted to operate kitchens for take away or home delivery of food items only. All places of worship shall be closed to the public, and religious congregations are strictly prohibited.