BSY indicates extension of stringent measures in Karnataka after June 7

The Karnataka government is likely to extend the lockdown post June 7, according to hints dropped by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who said the Covid-19 situation had not come under “complete control”.

Karnataka is currently under a lockdown till June 7.

“We will take a call either today or tomorrow on which services will be relaxed from the lockdown...” Yediyurappa told reporters. Asked if the lockdown will end, he said: “No, no. We will discuss how to extend (the lockdown) and take some strict measures.”

He held a meeting with ministers and senior officials later in the evening, discussing the measures to be taken in the coming days. The government is said to be considering extending the lockdown by another week, and an official announcement is expected at the earliest.

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Yediyurappa also said that he would announce another Covid-19 relief package “in another two days”.

The Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has recommended that the lockdown be continued in Karnataka post June 7. The opinion seems divided among Yediyurappa’s Cabinet colleagues -- several ministers have preferred extending the lockdown while some want it to end on June 7.

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Further, in the high-level meeting on Wednesday, Yediyurappa directed officials to take stock of the availability of oxygen in all districts and to ensure an adequate stock. “More attention has to be paid to rural areas. The government needs to immediately take measures to curb fatalities of black fungus cases,” Yediyurappa said, according to a statement from his office.

Exports allowed

Meanwhile, the government on Wednesday decided to allow export-oriented businesses to resume operations from Thursday. In an order issued by Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar, the government said 100% export-oriented units will be permitted to function with 50% staff strictly adhering to Covid appropriate behaviour.