From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 17: Unperturbed by the recent spike in COVID-19 positive cases in some parts of Karnataka, including the state capital of Bengaluru, chief minister B S Yediyurappa has categorically turned down the demand in certain sections of the government for imposition of a lockdown or enforcing night curfew to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The situation is in people’s hands. It people cooperate fully and maintain the COVID-19 protocol and guidelines, especially compulsory wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing, we can prevent the spread of the disease. Ultimately, it is for the people to protect themselves and their loved ones,’’ he said.

B S Yediyurappa (file photo)

Speaking to reporters after the video conferencing by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with all chief ministers in the country on the recent spike in the COVID-19 cases despite the rollout of the massive vaccination drive for all health warriors and people above 60 or those above 45 having comorbidities, the chief minister ruled out imposition of lockdown or night curfew as a solution to the problem.

Yediyurappa made it clear that he has issued strict instructions to the officials and the Home Department to enforce the COVID rules very strictly. "It is in people’s hand to control the situation now. If people do not cooperate and abide by the norms, the State Government will be compelled to consider stringent measures," he said.

"I have full faith in the people and their good sense because ultimately the COVID norms are for the safety of everybody and their near and dear ones,’’ the chief minister said.

The chief minister mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern over the rise in the number of cases in Bengaluru urban, Bidar and Kalaburgi districts where the caseload is alarmingly high.

The Prime Minister has advised the states to take stringent measures in view of the sudden spurt in the number of cases in the last 15 days, Yediyurappa said.

The chief minister said he had apprised the Prime Minister of the steps and measures taken by the state government to follow the Centre’s guidelines to control the COVID situation and also to step the vaccination drive.