Bengaluru: Will lockdown be extended in Karnataka or will the state government begin the ‘unlocking’ process? Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar on Monday said a decision on the future of lockdown has to be taken on a scientific basis as it is aimed at saving lives.
He said Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa will take a final call after examining the report from experts and discussing with cabinet colleagues. The state is currently under lockdown till June 7.
Highlighting the criticality of technical and medical aspects behind such decisions, the state health minister said the state’s COVID-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has prepared a report, making suggestions to the government on future measures including extending the lockdown.
“Till late last night they (TAC) have held discussions, they may submit me the report today, I will discuss it with the Chief Minister today itself. Most probably the Chief Minister may discuss it with the cabinet and take a final decision,” Sudhakar said.
‘Decision on lockdown or unlock should be on scientific basis’
Speaking to reporters, Sudhakar said lockdown or unlock is linked to the medical aspect and its consequences on human life during the pandemic has to be understood and decisions have to be made carefully.
“…I”m of the opinion, talking about the future of lockdown without understanding it technically or not considering experts opinion is irrelevant…this decision has to be taken on a scientific basis, as it is to save lives. If we are not cautious, we have seen what may happen,” he added.
Govt mulls lifting lockdown curbs in a phased manner
The Karnataka government is contemplating starting the unlock process in a phased manner by easing restrictions provided COVID-19 infections in Bengaluru come down to less than 1,000 a day, Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashoka said.
“I have given my opinion to Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa about unlocking the lockdown in a phased manner by opening one after another sector,” Ashoka told reporters in Chikkaballapura.
He, however, warned that the lockdown will continue if the number of infections do not come down.
“The restrictions will be eased only when the infections reduce. For example, in Delhi the cases are about 1,000 a day. In Bengaluru, the number should come below 1,000 a day and in Karnataka it should be limited to just 2,000 to 3,000. Then only the government will consider easing the lockdown,” the Minister said.
Committee recommends extension of lockdown by a week
According to reports, TAC has recommended to the government to extend the lockdown at least for one more week.
Decision on lockdown to be announced this week
On Sunday, CM Yediyurappa said that the government will decide on the future of the lockdown, just ahead of the current one coming to an end, based on the situation and expert opinion.
He had earlier said that the question of extending the lockdown may not arise while making it clear that public cooperation and decline in COVID-19 cases will be the factors that would determine the government’s decision in this regard.
To a question on several ministers expressing divergent views regarding the future of lockdown, with some in favour and some against it, Sudhakar said as a Health Minister it is his duty to bring factual position to their notice as they may not be aware of the TAC recommendation.
Some statements might have come because of emotions, after having seen the difficulty faced by the people very closely, he said.
The Karnataka government had initially announced 14 days “close down” from April 27, but subsequently imposed a complete lockdown from May 10 to May 24, as the COVID cases continued to spike.
Citing lockdown yielding results and experts” advice, it was further extended till June 7.
(With PTI inputs)
source https://www.india.com/news/india/karnataka-lockdown-extension-unlock-news-latest-update-decision-soon-4704156/
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