T

he Karnataka government on Monday announced a lockdown of two weeks that will start from April 27 night. Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said, "COVID curfew will be implemented in the state from tomorrow 9 pm for the next 14 days." He said that essential services will be available from 6 am to 10 am after which the shops will stay closed.

Mr Yediyurappa added that no public transport will be allowed during the curfew as well as people will not be allowed to travel within the state or to other states except for emergencies. The Chief Minister said only construction, manufacturing and agriculture sectors will be allowed to work during the two-week lockdown.

The government also announced that government hospitals will provide free Covid vaccines to the people who are between 18 and 44 years of age. On Sunday, Karnataka reported 34,804 new COVID-19 cases and a total of 143 deaths.