Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SHP)
Bengaluru, Apr 9: In the view of discussing lockdown exit strategy, Karnataka government is reportedly deliberating with experts, specialists and other stakeholders, said medical education minister Dr K Sudhakar on Thursday. He also stated that the decisions made will take a final view by April 13.
"Day after tomorrow we have a VC (videoconference) with the Prime Minister," said Sudhakar, who is in charge of all matters related to COVID-19, noted when asked about Karnataka's strategy.
The minister announced that a task force of specialist doctors on Wednesday had submitted a report to the government, making certain recommendations. "We are meeting a lot of stakeholders of the society taking their views," he added, also clarifying that the Cabinet would be holding discussions on the matter.
In a report by PTI, Sudhakar was quoted as saying, "Finally, day after tomorrow, after discussing with the Prime Minister during the VC, the government will take a view on this by April 13 or so. As of now, we have not taken any view on it. We are studying all the reports."
Meanwhile, Sudhakar also spoke about the coronavirus trend in India, which has not inflated as it did in the First World countries. He attributed the quick thinking of India government of placing the 21-day lockdown for the containment of what could have been a larger scale catastrophe.
"Let's see for one week and see. We need to fight this out collectively and by strictly following the quarantine methods and social distancing," Sudhakar stressed.
However, chief minister Yediyurappa on Wednesday claimed that the Karnataka government was considering lifting the lockdown after April 14 in districts which are virus-free. Although he clarified that this decision would be only applicable after approval from the Centre.
"This is to allow people to go about their business and move about within the district and not from one district to another, after April 14, after taking the approval of the Prime Minister," the CM said. According to state officials, as many as 12 districts continuation of lockdown at 'hot spots' beyond April 14.
It has suggested that schools and colleges be shut till May 31, while non-air-conditioned shops can be opened. Also, IT/BT companies, government offices providing essential services and factories can function with 50 per cent staff, the task force said in its recommendations for the 15-day period after April 14.