Karnataka passes Epidemic Diseases Ordinance to punish COVID attackers; details here

On heels of Centre, Karnataka government on Wednesday,  promulgated Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Ordinance, 2020 - similar to one Kerala had passed, giving state government sweeping powers to seal borders, restrict essential services, punish those attacking public servants, property dam etc. Under category of offence, ordinance mentions that 'all offences are cognizable and bailable' and can impose a 3-year kail term and a fine upto Rs 50000. Karnataka currently has 425 cases and 17 deaths.

Coronavirus Live Updates: Centre to pass ordinance to protect COVID warriors; cases- 20471

Here are key features of ordinance:

• Govt can prohibit any act which may transmit epidemic disease, can seal state borders, impose restrictions on public and private transport, impose restrictions on essential supplies and services
• Anyone disobeying above provisions is liable to 3-year jail term  with a fine of Rs 50,000
• Anyone causing dam to private or public property is liable to penalty twice value of goods and jail term of 6 months to three years, with Rs. 50000 fine.

Centre brings ordinance to end violence against health workers, details jail terms

Padrayanapura violence

This order comes after attack on COVID-19 health officials in Bengaluru's Padrayanapura. On Sunday, BBMP officials and ASHA workers went to bring in 15 secondary contacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19) positive patients from 'Red Zone' Padrayanapura.  However, some people created ruckus and broke barricades and removed police post which was stalled in area. Soon after receiving information, Bengaluru South Deputy Commissioner of Police reached spot and brought situation under control.

CM Yediyurappa said that 54 people have been arrested in connection to case. He has also directed police to provide full security to ASHA workers and or officials on COVID-19 duty. Centre has brought in a similar ordinance protecting COVID warriors.

Karnataka govt to bring strict ordinance to Epidemics Act amid attack on doctors: Sources

Kerala passes Epidemic Diseases Ordinance 2020

On March 29, Kerala government passed an ordinance Epidemic Diseases Ordinance 2020 which gives state government extraordinary powers to deal with current COVID-19 outbreak by imposing restrictions on essential services. ordinance also empowers government to impose a  2-year penalty on curfew violators. By n, Kerala had seen 182 COVID-19 cases with 1 death - w it has 427 cases with 3 deaths. Similar ordinances have been passed by Uttar Pradesh, Odisha.

Karnataka to allow select activities in n-containment zones from April 23; details here