Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Sunday said the pandemic is slowly inching towards being out of control with the surge in the cases and asked about the people to cooperate and following the Covid-19 protocols if they don’t want to any lockdown imposed.
With the rise in cases, Yediyurappa convened an expert meeting and officials on Monday, after which he said, “I appeal to the people with folded hands for cooperation…. if people cooperate I’m confident that without lockdown we can control.”
Yediyurappa’s appeal comes at a time when Maharashtra has announced lockdown in some cities. Karnataka had given relaxations and allowed activities. But, for the first time, since January 22, the daily Covid-19 cases in Karnataka surpassed the 900 mark on Saturday and from the count of 921 cases, 630 have been recorded in Bengaluru. From Monday, 4,300 new cases have been registered which raises the tally to 9,59,338 which is inclusive of 12,387 deaths and 9,38,890 recoveries.
While addressing the reporters, Yediyurappa said, “Since last one month Covid seems to be going out of control, day-by-day the number of cases are increasing. So I have called a meeting of experts tomorrow.” He also iterated about the fixed limit on the count of people attending the wedding functions, public celebrations and actions will be taken according to the law for any infringement.
He said, “My appeal to people is that if you don’t want lockdown and want all activities to continue as it is going on now, people have to cooperate by wearing masks and maintaining distance.”
When asked about imposing a lockdown in the state, Yediyurappa said, “as of now there are no such plans, if people cooperate and things come under control, we don’t want to impose lockdown, as it will hamper day-to-day activities. “We have suffered in the past (due to lockdown). I will not allow it, but people will have to cooperate.”
Regarding the travel restrictions to be imposed, Yediyurappa said, “I have had a meeting with the Chief Secretary regarding measures that can be taken. We will tighten things as much as possible.”
