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Bengaluru, Aug 7: Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashoka has said that state was prepared to tackle COVID-19 and flood situation.

"Today I had a meeting with officials from disaster management, housing, Police, agriculture departments. The government is ready to tackle both the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the flood situation," he told news agency.

The minister said he had held a meeting with officials to take precautionary measures.
"I sanctioned Rs 20 crore to the Fire Department to purchase the equipment for rescue operations. I have already announced red alert in six districts. Tomorrow, I will visit Kodagu, Chikmagalur to assess rescue operations. NDRF reached have teams for rescue operations," he said.

"We are monitoring all dams. Last time we got more floods because of dams. I have instructed to all district collectors that 70 per cent water be filled in dams. Remaining water be sent to canals. We are expecting more rains in nine districts this year," he added.

Bengaluru, Jul 31: Gyms in Bengaluru carried out sanitation work on Thursday following the Centre's nod to reopen gyms from August 5, after several weeks of COVID-induced lockdowns.

"We are taking all the precautionary measures prescribed by the government and will follow the guidelines very strictly. A thermal scanner, oximeter and hand sanitizers have been placed at the entrance of the gym. 

We request all other gym owners also to follow the guidelines strictly to keep their members safe and healthy," said Prasad Kumar, a gym owner in Bangalore.

He added, "The last few months have been very difficult for us gym owners and fitness instructors. We are very grateful to the government for allowing us to re-open. 

We are going to be very cautious when we open. Even before this COVID-19 pandemic, we used to sanitise all the equipment before and after every use so hopefully, this won't be too difficult for us. We are getting rid of the air conditioners to allow cross ventilation and open the space a little more."

According to Chandu Gowda, an actor and frequenter of the gym, working out at home was not the same as working out in the gym with the proper equipment.

"I'm very glad that I get to come back and work out as I used to before this lockdown. For an actor, working out is extremely important, not just for my physical health but also mental health. 

Doing exercises at home is never as good as exercising in a space dedicated to one purpose. I hope other members of the gym follow the rules and regulations religiously," Gowda said.