Karnataka will be under complete lockdown for the next 14 days, says Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa

• Karnataka government has announced complete lockdown in the state for 14 days in the state amidst rising COVID-19 cases with effect from April 27 to May 10.
• Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has also announced that the government will provide free vaccination for everyone above the age of 18.
• In terms of deaths due to the coronavirus, Karnataka is only second to Maharashtra.

Karnataka government has announced complete lockdown in the state for 14 days amidst rising COVID-19 cases with effect from April 27 to May 10. Only essential commodities will be available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has also announced that the government will provide free vaccination for everyone above the age of 18.

Karnataka reported 34,804 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, pushing the overall tally to 1.3 million cases. The state ranks third among the country’s states worst hit by the second wave of COVID-19 infections. In terms of deaths due to the coronavirus, Karnataka is only second to Maharashtra.

The state’s capital Bengaluru, which is a hub for technology companies and startups ⁠— often referred to as India’s Silicon Valley ⁠— has seen a daily rise of 20,000 COVID-19 cases for the first time ever, and that’s 70% of all cases in the entire state.

"Strict measures to control COVID will be taken. From tomorrow night till next 14 days there will be a close down for the whole state," Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said.

Speaking to reporters after a three hour long cabinet meeting here, he said shops selling essential commodities will be allowed to remain open only from 6 am to 10 am.

"The Agriculture sector, manufacturing sector except garments, construction sector and medical and essential sectors will continue to operate," he said adding that Deputy Commissioners of all districts and Tahsildars have been instructed to take strict measures.

Yediyurappa said the cabinet took the decisions after consulting the expert committee.

On COVID vaccination, he said it will be given free of cost at government hospitals for those aged between 18 and 45 years. The health department will draw the guidelines required.

The CM clarified that there is no shortage of oxygen and said the Centre has increased the daily quota from 300 metric tonnes to 800 metric tonnes.

This is the third Indian province to go under lockdown after Delhi, where Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared a lockdown in the national capital from April 19 to May 3 and Rajasthan, where it is applicable till May 3.


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