Karnataka extends lockdown till May 3; no partial easing

Bengaluru, April 20 (IANS) In another U-turn, the Karnataka cabinet, here on Monday, extended the lockdown across the state till May 3 and withdrew the partial relaxation plan for non-Covid affected areas, which was scheduled from Tuesday.

“The lockdown will continue till May 3. No partial relaxation from Tuesday in non-confinement areas as announced earlier (April 18),” Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J.C. Madhuswamy said.

The cabinet, however, decided to allow agriculture, horticulture and floriculture sectors to function along with essential goods and supplies units. “There will be no restriction on agriculture, including farming, harvesting, transportation of fruits and vegetable to markets,” Madhuswamy said.

Rolling back lockdown relaxations from April 21, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Saturday banned bike rides and IT-BT employees working from office, particularly in Bengaluru.

Extending the 21-day lockdown from April 15 to May 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14 said areas out of the coronavirus hotspots would be allowed to open up partially for necessary activities.

However, the Karnataka cabinet decided to continue the total lockdown without any relaxation to curb coronavirus spread.

Karnataka has registered 395 positive cases, with 16 deaths and 111 discharges.

–IANS

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