New Delhi (NVI): Amid the rising cases of COVID-19 virus, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa today announced two-week lockdown in the state starting from tomorrow.
The decision came following a Cabinet meeting, held today as the state registered a record high of 34,000 COVID-19 cases on a single day yesterday.
“We have come to a decision after speaking to all ministers and experts,” Yediyurappa said.
As per the decision, stores selling essential items will remain open from 6 am to 10 am while public transportation, including RTC buses and Bangalore Metro services, will not function.
“Goods can be transported from one state to another. Takeaway from restaurants and home delivery of alcohol has been allowed,” according to the order.
The chief minister said that in government hospitals, vaccination will be free for people between 18-45 years. For those above 45 years, the Union Government will provide vaccination free.
“From April 27 evening, stringent measures will be in place. Request vendors, shopkeepers to close right after so the police don’t have to compel them,” he said.
The state especially capital Bengaluru is reeling under a crisis of ventilator and ICU-beds with patients needing to wait for hours to get admitted in hospitals.
As of today, Karnataka has over 1.6 lakh active cases with an overwhelming majority in Bengaluru.
The state is already under night curfew and weekend lockdown under existing restrictions as the number of cases have been on the rise since the start of April.
–PRT
