Experts Suggesting Continuation Of Lockdown

TAC Chairman M.K.Sudharshan told the media that the committee meeting held on Monday lasted for five hours discussing the current COVID-19 situation in the State. He shared with the media that the committee has given preference to the health and lives of people before livelihood, as that is the highest need at this juncture.

The new cases have fallen to less than 20,000 in the state and less than 5,000 in the state capital. However the active cases continue to be over three lakh. On Monday, the state reported 16,000 cases of which 3,992 cases are from Bengaluru. The active cases remains high with a number of 3,13,730 infected individuals at present and the total recoveries of 44,473.  The TRP remains high at 13.57 percent while the fatality rate is 2.47. 

The number of tests conducted everyday continues to be around 1.3 lakh and the TRP can only be brought down only if the testing is ramped up. Lockdown restrictions were implemented in the state from April 27 onwards and the present phase of lockdown will be present till June 7, 6am. The General Advisory Committee from the committee of GOI has recommended continuation of lockdown till end of June 2021 in places with TRP of more than 10% and oxygenated bed occupancy of more than 60%. In view of this context, experts have suggested the state extend the lockdown. 

Dr. Sudharshan has said that the lockdown restrictions, if continued, should be reviewed on a weekly basis for any relaxation and concessions. Whenever unlocking is considered, the approach used in 2020 from June-November should be used as a basis from graded relaxation of imposed restriction.  

The TAC chairman added that the advisory committee was advisable for the lockdown restrictions to continue till the month end. However the further decision has been left to the government.