Relaxations on 2-wheelers, IT/BT work scrapped within hours

BENGALURU:

Within hours of relaxing lockdown restrictions and allowing two- wheelers to ply after April 20, the Karnataka government has done a volte-face, withdrawing its earlier directions and issuing a revised order maintaining the lockdown status quo till May 3. 

Earlier on Saturday, the extended lockdown was partially relaxed from April 21 across the state except in containment zones affected by Covid-19, albeit with strict guidelines for citizens. But after stiff opposition from various quarters, including some within the government, the relaxations have been scrapped. 

A late-evening statement from the CM’s office said, “After public referendum, the state government has withdrawn its previous order relaxing the lockdown in the state. The order allowing  two-wheelers on the roads after April 20 is cancelled and the lockdown will continue as it was till May 3. Also, IT and BT companies can operate only essential services and WFH (work from home) should be continued.”