Karnataka locked down for a week over COVID-19

Bengaluru, March 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Friday ordered a state lockdown for a week barring a few activities in the wake of coronavirus outbreak in the state.

"In the light of coronavirus outbreak, I am ordering the closure of malls, theatres and pubs for a week starting Saturday," said Yediyurappa after a meeting.

The state government has also cancelled marriages and social gatherings fearing the spread of the deadly virus.

Karnataka will not allow summer camps, sporting events, seminars and others. Swimming pools, sports clubs and gyms will also be shut.

Similarly, all universities will also be shut for a week while government-run hostels have been suggested to take great care.

The Chief Minister also cancelled official trips to the state on March 16 and 17. However, all the examinations will continue to be conducted as per schedule in the state.

Though officials suggested Yediyurappa to postpone the Assembly session, the chief minister did not do so and government offices will also function as usual.

All private hospitals in the state have been ordered to notify all coronavirus cases being treated in their facilities. The government is also forming a committee to coordinate with private hospitals.

Travellers from overseas must report to the health department and their families must be isolated at their home for 14 days.

Meanwhile, the state government is planning to enroll more laboratories to test coronavirus symptomatic cases.

Yediyurappa advised everybody to cooperate and maintain at least six foot distance from others.

The Chief Minister will review his shutdown decision after a week.

Late on Thursday night, Karnataka Health Minister B. Sriramulu confirmed that a 76-year-old man from Kalaburgi in the state's northern region died due to coronavirus.

The state recorded its sixth coronavirus positive case on Friday.

Source: IANS