In the wake of COVID-19 continuing to spread and claim lives, particularly in rural areas, the State government has extended the lockdown by two more weeks, till June 7.
After holding an hour-long meeting with Ministers and officials on Friday, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa said the decision was taken after considering the suggestions made by health experts. All existing lockdown restrictions will be in force till June 7. All essential goods and services, such as food, medicines, milk, and fruits and vegetables, will be available for four hours from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
However, this time the government has lifted restrictions on inter-State and intra-State movement of people. There will also be no restrictions on smooth movement of all types of goods vehicles, including empty ones.
As many people have been found moving on the roads unnecessarily even after the 10 a.m. deadline, the Chief Minister said the police have been told to enforce the rules strictly and take action against violators. The police will seize vehicles of those indulging in unnecessary movement after 10 a.m. The Chief Minister appealed to the public to start returning home by 9.45 a.m.
Noting that the number of COVID-19 cases had started declining because of the lockdown in the past three weeks, Mr. Yediyurappa urged people to cooperate with the government and the police for effective implementation of restrictions.
The State government first imposed lockdown from April 27 to May 12. It was then extended to May 24. After extensive discussions with the Deputy Commissioners and senior Ministers this week, the Chief Minister announced the third phase of the lockdown.
The Chief Minister, who has announced a ₹1,111.82-crore package for persons impacted by the lockdown, said more steps would be taken, if necessary, to provide relief to the poor.