Positivity rate still over 11%, Karnataka extends lockdown

The Karnataka government on Thursday extended restrictions aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19 in the state by a week until June 14.

Chief minister BS Yediyurappa, who had assessed the Covid-19 situation in the state with ministers and senior officials a day earlier, said his government will continue with the restrictions since the state is yet to break the chain of virus transmission. The restrictions were to end on June 7.

“Despite a reduction in cases, we have not yet achieved less than 5% case positivity rate. Based on the experts' advice, I have decided to extend restrictions for a week,” he said.


The state continues to report daily new coronavirus cases in five digits.

The central government, too, has advised states to continue with lockdown-like restrictions if the case positivity rate is above 5%. Karnataka’s rate on Wednesday was 11.22%.

“I will assess the situation again after a week and take a call on easing the curbs,” Yediyurappa said.

Existing curbs will continue as it is, except for some concession to export-oriented industries. The state has allowed 100% export-oriented industries to operate with half their staff strength with the industry bodies urging the government to resume manufacturing activities.

Second Financial Package
Yediyurappa also announced a special package of `500 crore to be disbursed among MSMEs (medium, small and micro enterprises) ASHAs, powerloom weavers, fishermen, teachers of unaided schools, television artistes and advocates, among others, to help people whose livelihood has been affected by the Covid-19-led restrictions.

The government exempted MSMEs, which have been under severe stress due to closure of industries, from paying fixed electricity bills for two months. It also extended the deadline for paying electricity bills to other large industries until July 30.