The B.S.Yediyurappa led Karnataka Government announced complete lockdown until the 10th of May.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government led Karnataka Government took the decision of complete lockdown on the 26th of April. It was due to the increasing number of the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 cases in the State. The lockdown measures would be in effect from the 27th of April, for 14 days till the 10th of May.
During the lockdown starting from 9:00 P.M., tomorrow, only essential services would be allowed to function, between 6:00 A.M., to 10:00 A.M. Shopping malls, gym, schools, colleges, swimming pools, parks and other public places would remain shut. However, shops selling agricultural products, construction services and manufacturing material would be functional amid the lockdown measures. Speaking about the transportation services, the State Government confirmed public transport to remain shut for the next 14 days.
B.S. Yediyurappa, the Chief Minister of Karnataka said, “Covid (COVID-19) curfew will be implemented in the state from 9:00 P.M., tomorrow onwards for the next 14 days. Essential services are allowed between 6:00 A.M., to 10:00 A.M., and after 10:00 A.M., shops will remain closed. Shops dealing with construction, manufacturing and agricultural sectors are allowed to remain open. Public transport will not operate.”
Concerned about the worsening situation of COVID-19 in the State, the Karnataka CM warned the public of an extension to the announced lockdown. The Chief Minister said, if the situation doesn’t improve, the State Government might extend the lockdown.
However, vaccination drive, medical services and chemist shops would function as it was. The Karnataka Government also announced to provide free COVID-19 vaccination to the citizens of Karnataka between 18-45 age group.
The announcement of the complete 14 days lockdown was taken after Karnataka reported a massive single day spike of 34,804 fresh cases. In addition, the death cases also increased to 14,426 with 134 new deaths.
Currently, Karnataka has 13.49 lakh positive cases, of which 2,62,162 are active cases. The positive rate of COVID-19 cases increased by 20 % in between the 24th and the 25th of April.
In addition, to avoid any shortage of vaccine or oxygen supply, which is a major issue in India, the Karnataka Government assured an increased supply of oxygen from the Centre. The Karnataka CM said, the Central Government increased its daily allotment of oxygen from 300 metric tonnes to 800 metric tonnes.
Stay tuned for further updates.
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