Young scientists from Puttur make it big internationally

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.

Koppal, Aug 3: The activists of Popular Front of India (PFI) have won the heart of the people by performing the last rites of a local leader of Bharatiya Janata Party in Koppla district of Karnataka. 

Somashekhara Gowda, a senior BJP leader in Koppal’s Gangavathi died of covid-19. His family members were reportedly quarantined. His own party activists also were not ready to participate in the last rite due to the fear of coronavirus infection.

Following requests, a team of PFI comprised of district secretary Fayaz, and members Yaseen, Abdul Aalam, Shamid Razi and Husain Azarauddin performed the last rites as per Veerashaiva Lingayat traditions. 

Speaking to media persons PFI district president Zaheer Abbas lamented that people still have plenty of misconceptions about covid-19. “Due to the misconceptions, performing the last rites of those who die of covid-19 has become a challenge,” he said.

He said that PFI activists followed all the health guidelines and took necessary precautions while performing the last rites. “Under the guidance of district health officials and with the consent of the family members of the deceased, the last rites were performed as per Veerashaiva Lingayat traditions,” he said.