With a contemplation on lockdown extension after May 24, 2021, some districts in Karnataka have already undertaken stricter measures to lessen COVID-19 cases. A surge in cases mostly in rural areas, even as cases declined in Bengaluru over the past few days, was a great cause of alarm and concern for district administrations across the State. Even the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, emphasized on localized decision-making to deal with the crisis.
Thus, with the State having given districts greater autonomy to take decisions to curb the virus, several districts in Karnataka witnessed stricter lockdown restrictions. Shivamogga witnessed a four-day total lockdown last week while strict guidelines were implemented in Raichur two days ago. On Tuesday, strict restrictions were imposed on Hassan, Ballari and Kalaburgi.
As per new restrictions in Kalaburgi and Ballari, grocery stores, vegetable-fruit shops, hotels and wine outlets will remain shut for the next three days. However, the health sector, supply of LPG cylinders, food delivery in situ construction activities, ATM and petroleum outlets have been exempted. In Hassan, only those selling essential items including groceries and vegetables will remain open from 6 am to 10 am and people will only be allowed to buy essentials on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while wine outlets have been allowed to remain open.
The Home Minister stated that the Chief Minister has been receiving inputs regarding the extension of the lockdown from various experts, the taskforce and Technical Advisory Committee. However, a decision about this would be taken after clear discussion based on these inputs. He clarified that there was no discussion regarding the lockdown on the video conference with the Prime Minister.
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