Lockdown in Karnataka likely to be extended till June 14

Bengaluru, June 03: The COVID-19 restrictions is Karnataka are likely to be extended despite speculations galore that more relaxations will be given. The lockdown is likely to be extended until June 14.

Chief Minister, B S Yediyurappa said that the lifting the lockdown entirely is not possible as the COVID-19 cases are still being reported in the state. He said that the government is considering extending the lockdown with some relaxations. The decision is expected to be announced on Thursday, alongside a second relief package for unorganised workers who were left out in the first round that was announced last month.

Yediyurappa said that he will discuss this with everyone and decide on the measures to be taken regarding the restrictions and added that the export oriented businesses will be allowed in the state from June 3 onwards.

The COVID-19 Technical Advisory Committee in its report to the government said that restrictions can only be relaxed after the positivity rate in the state comes down below 5 per cent and the number of cases are below 5,000. The committee advised the government to continue the lockdown in a stricter form in the state.

The CM said that a decision on the extension of the lockdown would be taken on June 5, two days before the restriction period ends on June 7.

During a meeting some ministers were in favour of easing the restrictions in a phased manner after June 7 as the COVID-19 cases had dropped by 65 per cent. The health officials however stressed that the lockdown must continue at least for another week as the positivity rate was still around 15 per cent.