Karnataka Govt Announces Complete Lockdown In Bengaluru From July 14 Till July 22

Making the announcement, Karnataka Chief Minister's Office (CMO) also said that during the lockdown, all essential services will continue to ply.

(File Photo/ AFP)

Bengaluru: In the wake on significantly rising Coronavirus cases, Karnataka government on Saturday announced 'complete lockdown' in Bengaluru starting 8 pm on July 14 till 5 am on July 23. Making the announcement, Karnataka Chief Minister's Office (CMO) also said that during the lockdown, all essential services will continue to ply. "As COVID-19 cases are increasing in the state day by day, based on the advice of experts complete lockdown will be imposed in Bengaluru urban and Bengaluru rural for one week from July 14 Tuesday 8 pm to 5 am on July 22," Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said in a statement. The directive from the state government also noted that all scheduled exams will be allowed in the city and its neighbouring rural districts.

All essential services including supply of milk, vegetables, fruits, medicines and groceries will continue uninterrupted. I appeal to people to cooperate with the government, follow all guidelines, take all precautionary steps and help us contain the pandemic. (2/2)

— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) July 11, 2020

Hospitals, groceries, fruit, vegetable and grocery shops will remain open and the medical and post-graduate exams scheduled will be held, the government's release stated. Asking people to join hands in controlling COVID-19 by remaining at home during the lockdown, Karnataka CM said, "While going to purchase daily use items, maintain social distance, wear masks, and follow all the guidelines related to lockdown." Earlier on 5 July, Karnataka government had imposed a 33-hour complete lockdown in Bengaluru on 4 July as the city witnessed a spike in novel coronavirus cases in the last few weeks. With a record 2,313 new cases on Friday, the southern state's Covid tally shot up to 33,418, including 19,035 active cases after 13,836 were discharged till date, while 543 have succumbed to the infection so far. Of the total fresh cases in the state, Bengaluru accounted for 1,447, taking its tally to 15,329, including 11,687 active cases after 3,435 were discharged, while 206 died of the virus since March 9.