Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP/DV)
Bengaluru, May 7: Karnataka chief minister (CM) B S Yediyurappa, stated that enforcing the lockdown in the state may be inevitable in the coming days in an effort to regulate spread of coronavirus infection. By saying so, he dropped hints of a possible lockdown announcement in a couple of days in Karnataka.
It is observed that the 14-day Janata curfew imposed in the state from the end of the previous month has not been fruitful and coronavirus infection is going out of control. People are worried about the infection that is spreading fast to newer territory. There has been pressure from various quarters on the government to declare lockdown in order to bring down the incidence of the disease and the deaths caused out of it.
Addressing the media representatives in the city on Friday May 7, Yediyurappa said that the second corona wave has been sweeping the state extensively. He observed that the people have not been extending wholehearted cooperation to the Janata curfew by following the guidelines. Therefore, he said, stricter measures would have to be imposed to get some good result. He said that discussions with officials and experts about the desirability of imposition of lockdown would be held today and tomorrow before taking a decision in two days.
The CM visited Goddess Annamma temple today and offered Puja. He said he has prayed to the Goddess to see that the country gets rid of the corona pandemic at the earliest, and the citizens are able to lead a happy life. He asserted that without the support of the people, the government cannot do anything on its own.
"The people have to cooperate with us. In order to drive the disease away, people have to wear masks, maintain social distance, lay stress on hygiene and cleanliness and follow other rules," he narrated.
The CM asked people not to come to the residence of the chief minister or Vidhana Soudha citing hospital problems. “I do not say that they are wrong in doing so. We are always ready to work for the people. As soon as the officials learn that the people have problems, they respond and take remedial steps to mitigate the problems. Therefore, it is important that the people bring their problems to the notice of the officials," he stated.
Lockdown from May 10 to 25, say television reports
Karnataka government is likely to impose a complete lockdown from May 10 till May 25 to contain the spread and surge of the Covid pandemic, as per the reports of a state television channel.
A partial lockdown is in force in Karnataka from the night of April 27 till May 12, which restricts people's free movement, while essential shops, including liquor vends, remain open between 6 am and 12 noon.
CM Yediyurappa will hold Covid-19 review meeting on Friday evening in Bengaluru with ministers and top officials in the government. It is also said that during the lockdown government may allow essential services and medical services.