Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Apr 4: "Though the whole state is under lock down, there is no shortage of essential items that are required for daily use. People should not panic under any circumstances," said chief minister B S Yediyurappa.

Speaking to the scribes in the city, Yediyurappa said, "For migrants, arrangements are made for food in schools and community centres. We have decided to give half litre milk free of cost for construction workers. There is no need to panic. There is enough stock of essential items.

"We are taking steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. The international travellers who arrive in the country are being screened. Covid-19 War Rooms are formed for the same. I have instructed the police department to tighten the lock down procedures.

"Lock down will be in action till April 14. Still 10 days are left for this to get over. The union government is mulling on various ways of opening up the lock down. As per the study done by an organization of USA, India might have to continue lock down for many more days. According Boston Consulting Group (BSG) the opening of lock down in India might start around last week of June or first week of September.

"BSG organization has identified reasons for continuing the lock down in the country. It has evaluated the present situation of Indian health sector and the effectiveness of the policies of the central government. According to this organization highest number of coronavirus infection cases might come to light on the third week of June. So the Karnataka government has to be ready if the lock down continues further."