Bommai Hints at Lockdown as Covid Cases in Karnataka Cross 1K

Bengaluru: Following an alarming increase in COVID-19 positive cases in Karnataka, the state administration has declared that a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is "inescapable."

As a result, revenue minister R Ashoka announced on Sunday morning, shortly after meeting with chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, that the government would soon announce stronger regulations to combat the virus's rapid spread.

Considering Karnataka's night curfew lifting on January 7, Ashoka said the COVID-19 high power committee will meet on January 4 or 5 to consider the necessity for additional restrictions in the state.

"With the rising cases of COVID-19, it is becoming more and more evident that a third wave of COVID-19 is inescapable. We will soon impose more stringent restrictions in the state and urge people to cooperate with the government, failing which a lockdown will be inevitable," warned Ashoka.

CM Bommai in Belagavi echoed and backed up the remark, saying that the administration will focus on improving the state's health system in addition to enforcing harsher regulations.

"We are preparing the ground plan for ensuring that there are enough beds, ICU beds, and adequate oxygen supply to save lives. I have already given instructions to the health department to increase the number of ICU beds and take up vaccination drives on a war footing," said the CM.

Bommai further stated that he has issued orders to the border districts of Belagavi and Vijayapura to conduct severe checks at checkpoints, with RT-PCR negative reports and vaccination certificates being required to enter the state.

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The CM said that "while the checking will inconvenience a few passengers, we are forced to ensure this to protect the lives of Karnataka citizens," adding that a final decision on more restrictions and other conditions to halt the pandemic's spread will be made at a meeting in the coming days.

Previously, Ashoka stated that the administration intended to avoid the current scenario in Delhi and West Bengal, which has both states under lockdown.

"In Maharashtra as well, the situation is worsening and they too are likely to see a lockdown very soon. We want to avoid this situation and will assess the state’s position in the coming days," he said.