Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 1: Most of the ministers have favoured extension of the current lockdown. The technical advisory committee of experts led by Dr M K Sudarshan too has favoured this extension in a report it submitted to health minister, Dr Sudhakar.

The lockdown-like curfew in the state is currently on till June 7. Debate on its continuance or withdrawal has begun already. The experts committee has based its recommendations on the current status of the infection and incidence of death. It has been observed that the state sees Covid19 positive cases averaging 15,000 to 22,000 on a daily basis and in rural places too the infection continues to be high. The experts believe that the positivity rate should come down to less than five percent and daily cases in the state should plummet to less than 5,000 mark every day, for the withdrawal of lockdown to be considered. At the same time, the government also has to take into account instructions issued by the central government.

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The positivity rate in the state which once stood at 47 percent, has come down to 13 percent now. However, stability of the rate is doubtful and there is volatility in the number of new cases every day. The committee has pointed out that the death rate is alarming and there is no guarantee that the situation will come under control in a week. Moreover, there is the risk of the third wave in September-October, which forms the basis for favouring the continuance of the lockdown.

Scientific lockdown envisages compliance with central government directives and suggestions of experts besides identifying specific zones on priority and continuing with tight restrictions there. The central government had said that if the daily positivity rate stays above ten percent and oxygen beds are over 60 percent occupied, tight steps can be continued till June 30. The positivity rate and availability of oxygen beds differs widely from one district to the other.

A meeting led by chief minister B S Yediyurappa, in which ministers, experts and senior officials will participate, is being held on Tuesday to discuss the report submitted by the experts. Exchange of views about the extension of lockdown will take place. The government therefore may impose scientific lockdown or unlock in stages, taking into account the mood of the people and the recommendation of experts.

The cabinet meeting is held once every two days. The ministers are said to have expressed the apprehension that extension of the lockdown would be a good idea as the infection might soar if the lockdown is lifted. Minister R Ashok, said that a decision will be taken on June 5 or 6.