According to the sources, the Karnataka government has indicated it may ease lockdown in phases after the 21-day shutdown period enforced by the central government across the country, which reportedly ends on April 14.
Things that could happen after April 14th
The government could extend the lockdown in COVID-19 hotspots of the state — Bengaluru Urban, Mysuru, Chikkaballapura, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts.
Also, the government plans to impose severe restrictions to ensure people continue with social distancing and see that they don’t participate in mass gatherings like marriages, fairs or festivals.
“Our next measure hinges on many factors and, mainly, the number of positive cases reported in the next 12 days,” said an official after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video conference with chief ministers ended.
It is said that Modi has left it to the states to extend or reduce down the lockdown.
Restrictions may be lifted in virus-free districts
According to the officials, if the COVID-19 cases reduce, then the closedown may be completely lifted in Shivamogga, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Gadag and Haveri districts which have so far remained virus-free.
Speaking on the same, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said the lockdown relaxation move depends on its successful implementation. A task force will be set up on April 14 to advise the government on the matter.
Putting a light on the video conference, Yediyurappa said the PM advised all chief ministers to implement the lockdown effectively without harming the supply of essential services and deal with curfew violators with an iron hand.
“The PM lauded the states over the lockdown implementation and advised them to isolate migrant workers and provide basic amenities to them,” he added.
To ensure there’s no shortage of medical professionals to treat COVID-19 cases, Yediyurappa on Thursday said the government will rope in Ayurveda, yoga & naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and homeopathy (Ayush) doctors for its fight.
“The PM advised us to implement Ayush guidelines to improve immunity. We will give online training to these doctors before fielding them,’’ the CM said, adding the PM favored setting up more dedicated COVID-19 hospitals in the state.
