Karnataka extends lockdown till June 7

Bengaluru: Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday announced extension of lockdown for a period of 14 days, from May 24 to June 7 to contain the spread of coronavirus in the State.

The stringent restrictions have been already in effect since May 10 and was supposed to end on May 24. However, due to the new order, they would end on the morning of June 7.

"We have taken some decisions regarding the lockdown after discussing them with our senior ministers, chief secretary and other officials," the Chief Minister told reporters. "Accepting the suggestions of experts, we have decided to extend the stringent restriction from May 24 to June 7," he said. "In view of public health and the suggestions of the experts, the restrictions have been extended, and we expect people's cooperation," Yediyurappa said.

"I appeal to the people to abide by the Covid appropriate behaviour of wearing facemasks, maintaining hygiene and social distance in public places," he said.

The State government had put restrictions since April 7 but imposed strict restrictions from May 10 when the Covid cases and fatalities did not abate.

The State on Friday reported 32,218 fresh infections and 353 fatalities taking the total infections and deaths to 23,67,742 and 24,207 respectively.