Karnataka mulling complete lockdown after May 12, CM Yediyurappa awaits Centre’s direction

Bengaluru: Looking at the rising cases of coronavirus in the state, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday said he is ready to impose full lockdown in the state but prior to that, he is awaiting directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on whether or not a full-fledged lockdown should be imposed in the state to bring Covid-19 under control.

"With the PM scheduled to speak this evening, we shall implement based on what he says. We’re waiting for his directions. Based on his directives, we will decide in the evening,” he told reporters in Bengaluru.

The PM is going to take a decision against the backdrop of the Supreme Court's recommendation, which would be binding on Karnataka as well. The Apex Court has asked the Central and state governments to consider imposing a lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Replying to a query, Yediyurappa said he has directed the ministers to camp in the districts they are in charge of and work there to control Covid.

With Covid cases rising at a rapid rate, the speculations are rife that the Karnataka government might consider extending its ‘close down’ beyond May 12, when it is scheduled to end. Notably, the 2-week ‘close down’ prohibits movement of people but essential shops are allowed to operate only for a few hours in the morning.

Yediyurappa said the ministers have been briefing him about the Covid situation on a daily basis but henceforth they would work in a more focused manner.

The coronavirus cases are on rise in the state at an alarming proportion despite a lockdown from April 27 to May 12.

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• Chief Minister BS
• Covid-19
• Karnataka
• Prime Minister
• Yediyurappa
• lockdown
• Modi
• coronavirus