Bengaluru, May 18: In a major announcement by Karnataka government on Monday, chief minister BS Yediyurappa has banned the entry of people into the state from four major states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala and Tamil Nadu till May 31. The chief minister held a discussion with state ministers and senior government officers on Monday to discuss the guidelines issued by the Centre regarding the fourth phase of nationwide lockdown, according to news agency ANI.

The CM has clarified that there will be a complete lockdown on Sundays with essential services being allowed. The state will follow strict lockdown measures in containment zones and economic activities will resume in other areas.

The chief minister said state transport corporation buses and private buses will run including trains within the state. All shops will be allowed to open, it added.

Malls, educational institutions, cinemas, gyms and swimming pools will remain shut in wake of Covid-19 pandemic.

The decision of the state government comes in after the Centre has extended the nationwide lockdown to May 31 emphasising that passengers movement would be followed only with mutual consent between the states during the fourth phase.

The state has witnessed Covid-19 cases surged to 1,100 and more than 30 deaths.

According to the Centre’s latest rule for Lockdown 4.0, the night curfew - from 7 pm to 7 am – has been retained.  Sports complexes and stadia can open, however, spectators will not be allowed.

Also, any large gathering has been banned including places of worship,  public and religious congregations are strictly prohibited.

As the nation enters the first day of lockdown 4 which will remain in effect till May 31, the death toll due to Covid-19 across the nation surged to 3,029 and the number of total positive cases crossed the 96,000 mark on Monday morning, according to the Union health ministry.