COVID-19: Entire Karnataka under lockdown till March 31, says CM

Bengaluru: In view of increasing number of coronavirus positive cases, the whole of Karnataka will remain under lockdown from Tuesday to March 31, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa said.

“After assessing the situation of COVID-19, we have decided to lockdown not just nine districts but the whole state of Karnataka starting Tuesday till March 31. I request all citizens to cooperate and please stay indoors,” tweeted Yediyurappa.

Earlier, the state announced lockdown in Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Kalaburagi, Chikballapur, Mysuru, Madhugiri, Dharwad, Mangaluru and Belagavi districts since most positive cases were reported from there.

Karnataka has 30 districts with a population of over six crore.

Speaking from his Dollars Colony residence on Tuesday, Yediyurappa requested people to celebrate the coming Ugadi festival in a simple manner in their homes.

Amid coronavirus scare, the Karnataka government has cancelled the Karaga festival.

Yediyurappa assured people of adequate supply of groceries and food.

“Please note there is no need for bulk buying, hoarding or any sort of panic. Food supply and grocery shops will be open for all as usual. Your cooperation is extremely important here and we can fight this,” Yediyurappa said.

Reiterating the lockdown conditions, he said the police will take action if anybody violates the lockdown.

Seeking public cooperation, the Chief Minister said tougher measures are needed to contain the virus.

Meanwhile, many people were found violating lockdown norms at KR Market in the city on Tuesday.

Police admonished such people and asked them to return home and forced shut shops and other commercial establishments in the market.

While the authorities were busy taking action against shops selling non-essential goods, police were stopping and checking vehicles and autorickshaws.

The Health Department officials have decided to stick notifications outside teh houses of people suffering coronavirus infection.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao tweeted: “Requesting citizens to ensure that ‘stay indoor call’ is implemented. No threat of law but don your role of an enlightened citizen. Nothing is more important than our lives. Please do this for yourself.”

 (IANS)