Despite the reduction in cases, Karnataka extends lockdown till June 7

Picture used for representational purpose only

Bengaluru: On Friday, Karnataka declared that it will continue to enforce strict measures and has extended the lockdown will June 7. The current lockdown was supposed to be till May 24.

As Karnataka witnessed 32,218 fresh Covid cases, out of which 9,591 were from Bengaluru alone, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa held a cabinet meeting on Friday evening. This was to decide on further measures to curb the spread of Covid and related fatalities.

After the meeting of an hour, Yediyurappa told, “In light of the alarming number of deaths, despite cases slowing down, we have decided to continue the stringent measures and enforce the present lockdown for 14 more days, from May 24 till June 7.”

Yediyurappa affirmed that the decision was taken after consulting with the technical advisory committee (TAC). Also, he has requested people to cooperate.

He said, “We are seeing a reduction in the number of cases and the pandemic is slowly coming under control. However, we need to enforce the lockdown for 14 more days as the cases are still high. We have consulted the TAC, and I urge the people of the state to cooperate with the government.”

He said that there are complaints from the police about the people in Bengaluru who are out on the streets despite the 10 am.

He said, “Now, this is becoming a problem and we are going to further strengthen the lockdown. We are asking people to start moving out of the shops and on the streets by 9:45 am and all shutters are down by 10 am.”

Yediyurappa added that there will be no changes in the existing norms and regulations.

In the meantime, BS Yediyurappa informed that black fungus or Mucormycosis which is the latest concern will be treated at zero charges in the government hospitals.

He informed that orders regarding the same will be issued immediately. He said, “Considering the expensive nature of the treatment for Mucormycosis which the middle class cannot afford, we have decided to provide free treatment for the people at our government hospitals.”