Cabinet favours lockdown extension, decision after consulting PM: Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Thursday said all his cabinet colleagues are of the unanimous opinion to extend the lockdown for about 15 days after April 14, and a final decision in this regard will be taken after consulting the Prime Minister. Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting here, he said, "To check COVID-19, all my cabinet colleagues have unanimously opined that the lockdown should be extended for about 15 days, after April 14."

However, we will take a final call on whether to relax the lockdown after April 14, following discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow and looking at the situation in other states. "I told my cabinet colleagues also the same thing that after discussing with the Prime Minister let's take a final decision and execute it," he added. A committee of health experts tasked with devising an exit strategy for coronavirus lockdown in Karnataka have recommended its continuation in "hotspots" along with some relaxations. In its recommendations submitted to the CM on Wednesday, it said schools and colleges should remain shut till May 31 and advocated restrictions on public transport to continue for some more time even as it suggested odd-even formula for private vehicles.

While non-air conditioned shops can be allowed to function, IT,BT companies, government offices providing essential services and factories can be operated with 50 per cent staff, the committee said. The recommendations were for a period of 15 days after the current national lockdown. Responding to a question, the Chief Minister said, till April 14, no one should step out of their houses, we will take strict measures to implement the lockdown that is currently in place.