Lockdown Almost Certain To Continue In Bengaluru ‘hotspot’

It is most likely that the lockdown in Karnataka will not be lifted uniformly across the state after April 14, going by the recommendations of the expert committee of doctors the Chief Minister on Wednesday.

The committee has recommended continuing the lockdown in the Covid-19 ‘hotspot’ districts and continuing precautions for the next 6 months.

The expert committee — Dr Devi Shetty, Dr Manjunath, Dr Sudarshan, Dr Nagaraj and Dr. Ravi — had a detailed discussion with Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday attached his home office, which was also attended by Covid-19 Minister Dr K Sudhakar, Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar and others.

The committee said areas where Covid-19 positive cases were reported should be completely locked down after April 14. Further, it recommended renewed stress on social distancing along with a shutdown of schools and colleges till May 31.

“This committee has carefully analysed the current trends, the spread of the diseases and other such critical factors and submitted its recommendation about how the lockdown may be relaxed in phases, for which Yediyurappa has expressed his gratitude,” said one of the committee member.

Highlights

# After relaxing the lock down if any area/locality reports a surge in cases, such areas have to be locally placed under lockdown.

# Social distancing norm has to be strictly adhered to and all schools and colleges should remain closed atleast till the May 31, 2020

# All such shops which do not have AC may be allowed to open.

# IT/BT companies, and Government offices and factories providing essential services may be allowed to function with only 50% employee strength.

# At all interstate borders, only goods vehicles may be allowed to ply.

# All local shops must be allowed to function for longer duration to ensure that there is no crowding around those shops.

# Interstate flights and train services must not be started now.

# If any vase of Covid 19 is reported Doctors, Nurses and para medical staff must be allowed to render their services in all such localities.

# Unnecessary movement of general public must remain controlled for some more time.

# AC buses and Metro services shall not be started till April 30th

# All private vehicles must follow Even/Odd ruling for the next 15 days.