Karnataka Corona Task Force Recommends Extending Lockdown In Covid-19 Hotspots, Opening Of IT/BT Firms And Industries

Karnataka cabinet will meet today (9 April) and discuss the recommendations of the special task force headed by Dr Devi Shetty that submitted its report on Wednesday (8 April).

While it has suggested local lockdown in places that have seen cases after the announcement of the nationwide lockdown, enforcement of strict measures for social distancing in public places, it has also suggested lifting of the lockdown in phases in places that have not seen cases of Coronavirus.

The other recommendations of the task force are as follows:

1. Schools and colleges to be shut until 31 May. Online classes to be promoted
2. Opening of non- air-conditioned stores
3. IT/BT firms, essential services, industries to be permitted to function with 50 per cent strength
4. Opening of interstate borders only for the movement of essential goods
5. Keeping local stores open for longer hours to prevent crowding and panic among people
6. Teleconsultation for non-covid-19 patients in private hospitals

It also recommended that all air-conditioned buses, metro services within cities as well as all interstate rail and flights be prohibited until 30 April, while permitting the movement of private vehicles using the odd-even formula.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa informed that the state will take necessary action after considering both the recommendations of the taskforce as well as the directions issued by the central government.

Karnataka saw six new cases yesterday (8 April) taking the total of 181 in the state. The number of active cases is 148 with 28 recoveries and five deaths so far.