Masks compulsory at airport, Metro stations, malls in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: A day after the Health Department issued an advisory on voluntary use of face masks, the Kempegowda Internatinonal Airport has made it compulsory for flyers.

Among the international passengers arriving at the airport, 2 per cent of them are being subjected to random testing, as per guidelines and those with any symptoms are being monitored closely. The Health Department staff from Bengaluru Rurul district are working round the clock to monitor passengers.

Namma Metro has made masks compulsory to enter stations.

Namma Metro too has made masks compulsory to enter the stations. Those coming without masks were being turned away while some people were seen making quick purchases outside some stations.

Malls in the city too are insisting on patrons wearing masks. At Mantri Mall, most of the staff were seen wearing masks and some visitors who were no wearing masks were seen getting into arguments with the security staff.

While some malls have made malls compulsory, theatres have still not implemented it.

However, at Orion Mall, masks were not being insisted upon as the management said they had not received any instructions from the government. Patrons will be told to wear masks after they receive a communication from the government, they said.

At the busy KR Market, business has been dull for the last two days, and vendors, who were looking forward to doing good business in the festive season are upset. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Marshals have been going around creating awareness on the need to wear masks among the traders and customers. Vendors were being warned that they will be fined Rs 250 from Saturday and will not be allowed to put up stalls.

Marshals are creating awareness in KR Market.

Bruhath Bangalore Hotels Association president P C Rao said they will follow all Covid guidelines and the industry will soon be recognised as an essential service. He also appealed to the government not to bring in unscientific rules and sought the cooperation of the BBMP and the Marshals.