Karnataka CM Urges People to Help Control Spread of COVID-19 to Avoid Another Lockdown
Report By: Nandika Chand | Last Updated June 25, 2020
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has urged the people to cooperate, to help control the spread of COVID-19 pandemic to avoid another full lockdown. “If you don’t want Bengaluru to be sealed once again, please cooperate and maintain social distancing.” He said the cases are increasing and the state administration is making all efforts.
Yediyurappa has called all-party legislators and ministers from Bengaluru for a meeting to discuss and take stringent measures. The state Revenue Minister R Ashoka ruled out the possibility of another full lockdown in Bengaluru. The deputy CM Ashwath Narayan said another lockdown will trip the city’s economic revival. “The lockdown is a suggestion by many opposition leaders. At present that question doesn’t arise. Revival of economy has just started.” Narayan said livelihood is very essential. “If you go back, I think it becomes very difficult and people will face problems.”
Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu confirmed there is no community transmission in the state. He said more tests were being done and arrangements were being made to test the senior citizens. “Situation is under control.” Sriramulu pointed out that COVID-19 cases will increase as more people are coming to Bengaluru.
COVID-19 cases in Karnataka have crossed the 10,000 mark. As such, the CM directed officials, on Monday, to implement strict lockdown measures in specific clusters which have recorded a high number of infections. The civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has sealed the busy K R Market and Kalasipalya Market for 15 days.
Yediyurappa said there was still hope for Bengaluru as the city, unlike other major cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Chennai, had not yet lost control. He said the state administration will be holding a series of meetings to discuss and undertake more strict measures, all in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
