Karnataka Karnataka announces two-week lockdown amid Covid surge
Bengaluru/IBNS: Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases, Karnataka has announced a two-week lockdown in the state.
In an order issued on Friday, the BS Yediyurappa government said the lockdown will be effective from 6 am on May 10 to 6 am on May 25.
Other services allowed to continue function during the lockdown are road repair work and cargo vehicles.
Shops and other commercial units like hotels, pubs, bars and industries which are not directly related to providing essential services will remain closed.
Flights and trains already scheduled will operate during the lockdown, the Karnataka government said in the order.
Metro rail services would not ply, cabs cannot be hired for an emergency.
As a measure against the pandemic, strict restrictions will be imposed in the state from May 10 to May 24. I appeal to all citizens to adhere to guidelines and co-operate with the government to contain the spread of the virus. Let us work together safeguard each other.
— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) May 7, 2021
The government has ordered schools and colleges to remain shut, though online learning can continue.
Earlier in the day, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa underlined that “imposing lockdown will be inevitable” going by the increase in the positive Covid-19 cases across the State.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the Annamma Devi temple in Bengaluru's Gandhinagar, he said that 'Janata Curfew' currently in force was not being followed strictly. "That's why lockdown might become inevitable."
The government has lined up meetings to take stock of the Covid-19 situation. "We will take a final call on what the additional measures should be after discussions," he added.
Karnataka reported 48,781 fresh cases in the last 24 hours and some 592 deaths, which is the highest single-day fatalities in Karnataka.
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