COVID-19 Scare In Karnataka: CM Yediyurappa Rules Out Lockdown; Bans Protests, Rallies For 15 Days

CM Yediyurappa said mass gathering in the form of protest rallies or public or religious gatherings would not be allowed for the next 14 days. He said the number of election rallies "will need to be dropped" to contain the Covid situation in the city.

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Amid the sudden spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the state, the Karnataka government has announced fresh set of restrictions to curb the spread of novel disease, however, the it has ruled out complete lockdown. 

After holding a high-level meeting with ministers, health experts and senior officials in Bengaluru on Monday to review the Covid situation, CM Yediyurappa said mass gathering in the form of protest rallies or public or religious gatherings would not be allowed for the next 14 days. He said the number of election rallies "will need to be dropped" to contain the Covid situation in the city.

He appealed to the public to observe proper COVID restrictions and avoid crowding, otherwise it will become extremely difficult to bring the situation under control. 

As quoted in media reports, state education minister S Suresh Kumar clarified that no decision has been taken on the closure of schools and colleges for now, saying it was easier to conduct tests in schools.

"While doctors advised to keep schools closed for 15-20 days, the government’s call to not shut down schools was taken keeping in mind that students are safer there as they are observing more disciplinary steps in schools and it is easier to hold examinations as well," the minister noted. 

As per the state health bulletin, Karnataka on Sunday registered  2,792 new Covid-19 cases, of which, 1,742 were reported in Bengaluru. With this,the state's Covid tally shot up to 9,89,804, including 23,849 positive cases, while recoveries rose to 9,53,416, with 1,964 discharged during the day.