COVID-19 outbreak: Karnataka govt hints at lockdown extension in red districts

With a continuous rise in number of COVID-19 cases across country, speculations are rife regarding yet ar extension of nationwide lockdown. As per reports, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has indicated that lockdown might be extended in COVID-19 red zones, while exemption would be given for green districts to resume ecomic activities.  state has 10 districts in red zone, 10 in orange or yellow zone, and rest (10 districts) in green zone.  

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meeting came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video conferencing with Chief Ministers to discuss  situation arising due to COVID-19 in country, which is under lockdown since March 25 to contain pandemic. Only nine chief ministers spoke in virtual meeting with Prime Minister and Yediyurappa did t get an opportunity.

Yediyurappa on Monday chaired a meeting with key ministers, officials, and Deputy Commissioners of districts and discussed re-starting ecomic activities in state, as he took stock about pandemic.  state government would take any decision in this regard after Centre issues fresh guidelines or directives, official sources said, without elaborating.

"At video conference with DCs, CM took stock of COVID-19 situation and measures taken to control its spre. Discussions also happened regarding starting of certain ecomic activities in parts of state," y said.

A senior minister, who attended meeting said larger opinion was that current measures should continue and interstate or inter-district movement should t be allowed. Regarding movement within districts that are green zone, some decision may be taken soon, he said, ding  Prime Minister also asked states to concentrate on reforms, aimed at attracting investments in days to come. 

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PM-CMs meet

In meeting with PM Modi, leers discussed at length results of two lockdowns and also talked about measures that need to be undertaken regarding exit plans post-May 3. According to official statement, Chief Ministers praised leership of Prime Minister during this period of crisis, and also highlighted efforts undertaken by m in containing virus. Several states including Karnataka vouched for furr extending lockdown till at least May 15 as India has t been able to break chain of transmission so far. 

According to Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department’s bulletin State’s total tally of cases to 512. total death toll in State is 20 and 193 have been treated and discharged. Of remaining 299 cases, 294 are in isolation at designated hospitals and five are in ICU.

India h first entered lockdown on March 25, for a period of 3 weeks till April 14. But, rampant spre of vel coronavirus forced Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend lockdown till May 3.

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(with ncies input)