CM Bommai hints at relaxing covid-19 restriction in Karnataka

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Wednesday said his government will re-examine the COVID-19 curbs that are in place, and will take a decision regarding relaxation, including the weekend curfew on 21 January. CM Bommai, who had tested positive for COVID-19 on 10 January, today resumed his day-to-day work from office, after recovery.

“On Friday, I will hold a meeting with experts, and will re-examine the curbs that have been enforced,” CM Bommai said. Speaking to reporters here, he said, “The Covid-19 numbers are increasing, but it has not put a load on hospitals with very less admissions, attention should be given to OPD (Outpatient Department), with all this, let’s see what experts have to say.”

Asked whether the weekend curfew will be withdrawn, the CM maintained that all those things will be decided after consulting the experts and going through their report. He said based on the trends in different countries and states, experts have estimated that the COVID-19 cases may peak in the state by January end and the first week of February.

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To a question, why discussion on relaxing curbs when the cases are expected to peak, he said, “the general feeling that it (infection) is like a flu, and not much hospitalization is taking place, so day-to-day activities can be allowed by following Covid rules. Experts are examining it, they will place things before us on Friday. Following which we will make a decision.”

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With a surge in cases, the Karnataka government last week decided to extend the existing Covid curbs such as night curfew and the weekend curfew till the end of January. Bommai, who was infected by Covid and was in home quarantine, from where he was virtually performing official duties and holding meetings, today said he has recovered.

The Karnataka reports 40,449 covid-19 cases in 24 hours. Government on Wednesday revised the guidelines for testing, isolation, and quarantine for COVID-19. Karnataka on Wednesday registered 40,499 new Covid-19 cases and 21 deaths. The positivity rate in the state stood at 18.80 per cent.