Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on April 26 announced that the entire state, including Bengaluru city, will go for a full lockdown for two weeks starting from April 27 night in a bid to contain the raging COVID-19 crisis in the state.
“We have to take tough measures to contain the pandemic. It has been decided that starting Tuesday evening, there will be 14 days of strict restrictions on all commercial activities. No public transport will be allowed but movement of goods supply vehicles will not be hindered. Groceries, milk, meat and other essential item shops will be allowed to open between 6 am and 10 am every day. Night curfew that is in place between 9 am and 6 am will continue. If cases do not come under control then we may have to extend these restrictions for another week,” said BS Yediyurappa. Detailed guidelines on what is allowed and what isn’t is expected to be issued by the Chief Secretary by Monday evening.
The decision came following a Cabinet meeting that was held on Monday morning as the state registered a record high of 34,000 COVID-19 cases on a single day on Sunday.
All essential shops will be functioning from 6am to 10 am, after which all shops will close.
“Only construction, manufacturing & agriculture sectors allowed. Public transport to remain shut”, said Karnataka CM, as reported by ANI.
The Chief Minister said all agriculture related activities would be allowed in rural areas. Agricultural markets in cities would remain closed.
Mr Yediyurappa said the decisions were taken after hectic consultation with the an expert committee and ministers during a three-hour long Cabinet meeting.
The government has decided to provide free vaccination for COVID-19 for all those aged between 18 and 44 years in government hospitals and centres from May 1. The government has been providing free vaccination to all those who are aged above 45 years now.
