‘Reopening can start with people’s cooperation’: Yediyurappa on lifting lockdown

He said that even if the government decision on lockdown will be based on Covid-19 situation, people’s cooperation will also depend upon extension or gradual relaxation of the lockdown in the state.

Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa said that cooperation of the state’s citizens is necessary in order to begin reopening and further decision on the lockdown will be taken depending on the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) case trajectory.

Medical workers collect samples for Covid-19 testing during lockdown in Bengaluru (PTI Photo)

He said that even if the government decision on lockdown will be based on Covid-19 situation, people’s cooperation will also depend upon extension or gradual relaxation of the lockdown in the state.

“If people cooperate, the question of extending it (the lockdown) after June 7 may not arise, people will have to cooperate. We will put in all our efforts,” chief minister BS Yediyurappa was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

“Lockdown will continue till June 7. Depending on the situation, we will take further decisions. For now, till June 7 we shall observe. All the strict measures that need to be taken will be followed till then,” Yediyurappa further added.

Earlier in the day, state home minister Basavaraj Bommai said that following the directions given by Centre to continue lockdown-like measures till June 30, the state may extend the lockdown. The Centre on Thursday directed governments in all state and Union Territories to continue implementation of the lockdown-like measures till June 30.

“The positivity rate has not decreased drastically, it needs to fall below 10%, and in rural areas there are about 22,000-23,000 cases, it to fall below 10,000 cases, even the number of deaths will have to decrease, only then we will be able to manage the health infrastructure in the state,” Bommai said. The positivity rate in Karnataka is currently 16.42% and the case fatality rate is 1.75%.

Yediyurappa met with MPs, legislators and public representatives from Mysuru, Hassan, Belagavi, Kalaburagi and Vijayapura districts. These districts have reported a high number of cases in Karnataka.