CM says decision taken after much consultation, asks citizens to observe Covid precautions
BENGALURU:
As had been expected by and large, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Friday announced an extension of the statewide curfew-cum-curbs – for all practical purposes a lockdown – till the morning of June 7. The current tight restrictions came into force from May 10 and were scheduled to end on May 24. However, the government has been seized of the fact that statewide Covid-19 infections and deaths have not come down in any substantial measure, and hence has decided to continue with the lockdown-like restrictions for another fortnight from May 24.
Lockdown extended in Karnataka#covidlockdown #CovidIndia pic.twitter.com/UzCgKPLgpC
— Arun Kumar HV ಅರುಣ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ಹೆಚ್ ವಿ (@arunkumarhv) May 21, 2021
Addressing the media, the CM said the latest decision had been taken after discussions with medical experts, senior Ministers, the Chief Secretary and other officials. In the ongoing fight to curb the spread of the pandemic, the government expects cooperation from the public, the CM added. “I appeal to the people to abide by the Covid-appropriate behaviour of wearing face masks in public places, maintaining hygiene and observing social distancing in public places,” he said.
Karnataka's lockdown will be extended till June 07th. I appeal to all citizens to adhere to guidelines and co-operate with the government to contain the spread of infection. Let us work together to defeat the pandemic
— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) May 21, 2021
Curbs began on April 7
Statewide restrictions have been ongoing since April 7 but were further tightened from May 10 when Covid infections and fatalities kept climbing.
On Friday, Karnataka reported 32,218 fresh infections and 353 deaths, taking the total tally since the start of the pandemic last year to 23,67,742 cases and 24,207 deaths. After accounting for recoveries, the state as of date has 5,14,238 active Covid cases.
