West Bengal extends lockdown till July 31, Karnataka to follow suit

NEW DELHI: In order to keep the growing number of coronavirus cases under control in the state, Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister, West Bengal, has announced extension of lockdown in the state till July 31. The CM took the decision after the state tally of Covid-19 confirmed cases crossed the 15,000 mark on June 24, worrying both the government and the people on the effectiveness of social distancing and other protective measures in the absence of a strict lockdown. The decision was taken after an all-party meeting deliberated on the Covid-19 situation in the state.

Banerjee explained that during the all-party meeting, there were different opinions regarding the extension of lockdown. However, in the end, all parties and stakeholders agreed that lockdown extension was necessary, accompanied with curbing of a few restrictions.

“Today, we have discussed the lockdown issue. Though there are different opinions among the people like (CPI-M’s) Surya Kanta Mishra and others, I have told leaders of the political parties present here about our view to extend the lockdown.

“Finally, at the end of the meeting, we are saying that since the COVID-19 is increasing in the entire country, it’s our responsibility to help improve the situation… So let us come together and extend the lockdown (while) maintaining the relaxations,” Banerjee said. The Government of West Bengal has also decided to close all educational institutions in the state till July 31. Moreover, suburban and metro rail services will also be out of bounds for the public during the lockdown.

Citing similar increases in the number of cases, BS Yediyurappa, Chief Minister, Karnataka, warned the residents of the state that in the event of failure of the people to follow social distancing and other social norms to fight Covid-19, the government will not hesitate in extending the lockdown. He further said on Thursday, June 25, that the state government will hold a meeting with legislators of all parties regarding strict measures that need to be taken to control the virus.

Bengaluru, in particular, has seen a huge rise in cases, with the city crossing the 1,000 cases mark this month. The city has a total of 1,685 cases so far. Yeddiyurappa urged Bengalureans to maintain social distancing and practice hygiene.