CM Yediyurappa : Karnataka lockdown extended for 7 more days till June 14 to break COVID-19 chain
Karnataka lockdown extended for 7 more days till June 14 to break COVID-19 chain
Bengaluru: The BS Yediyurappa-led government in Karnataka on Thursday extended the lockdown till June 14 in view of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. The Chief Minister had earlier hinted that strict measures will continue as the coronavirus is not yet in complete control and cases in rural areas are still high.
Meawnhile, Karnataka’s death toll crossed 30,000 with 463 fatalities while 16,387 new infections were reported in 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 26,35,122, there were as many as 21,199 discharges, the health department said.
A day ago, the Karnataka chief minister had said that the Covid-19 pandemic is still not under complete control in the state, especially in the rural areas, and hinted that strict restrictions may continue. He, however, indicated that relaxation may be given to certain sectors, as he announced that export-oriented businesses will be allowed to operate from Thursday.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa said that he will be holding a discussion on Covid-19 related matters with senior ministers and officials and will make a decision by Thursday. “Will discuss on how to go about extending the lockdown and taking strict measures with experts and will take a call after taking their suggestions”, he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI, “Coronavirus has not completely come under control, it is still high in rural areas, we will make a decision considering how to balance things and go ahead.”
The Karnataka chief minister chaired separate meetings with experts, senior ministers, and officials on Wednesday evening, according to the news agency.
Karnataka’s Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC- consisting of experts), in its report to the government, has mentioned that the positivity rate has to come below 5% and the number of cases should be below 5,000, only then the restrictions can be relaxed. The state government had initially announced 14 days “close down” from April 27, but subsequently imposed a complete lockdown from May 10 to 24, as the Covid-19 cases continued to spike.
