No proposal of a lockdown or curfew in Karnataka, says CM B S Yediyurappa

The CM said that the state was mulling restricting entry of people at borders

With Covid-19 cases steadily rising, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Sunday ruled out imposing lockdown or night curfew for now but asked pandemic-weary citizens to strictly observe Covid protocols if they want to avoid another round of restrictions.

Yediyurappa will chair a meeting on Monday to review the Covid-19 situation with health department officials and experts.

"For the last one month, Covid cases are spiralling out of control. The number of cases is growing by the day," he said and asked people to cooperate to avert another lockdown.

"Masks and social distancing measures will be compulsory and the government will limit the number of participants at marriages and other ceremonies."

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The CM said that the government is not considering any lockdown as of now as daily activities will be hit and people have suffered in the past.

"I won't let it (lockdown) happen. But people should cooperate," he said.

The government is taking measures to regulate arrivals from neighbouring Maharashtra, where cases have surged, the CM said, adding he was confident of controlling cases without any lockdown.

Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that a decision on implementing stringent regulations will be taken on Monday following the meeting. "As of now, there is no discussion on prohibitory orders or night curfew," he said.

More than 8,600 Covid-19 cases were reported in the state over the last two weeks amid fears of a second wave of infections.