No lockdown in Bengaluru, improving state's economy crucial: Yediyurappa

No fresh lockdown to be imposed in Bengaluru and all efforts would be made to control the spread of coronavirus in the city, said Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Friday (June 26), asserting that improving economic situation of the state is also equally important.

His remarks come a day after he warned Bengalurians that they should follow social distancing otherwise a full lockdown will be imposed in the city.

Even as the state capital was considered a model for the entire country in COVID management and has seen a spike in cases during the last few days, the pandemic can be controlled if everyone cooperated, he said.

On Thursday (June 25), Revenue Minister R Ashoka said Bengaluru is still safe compared to the COVID-19 situation in other cities and states and had ruled out a fresh lockdown for now, putting to rest speculations that it was planning such a move in view of spike in cases.

Related news: BSY warns Bengaluru of another lockdown over norms; min says otherwise

As of Thursday evening, a total of 1,791 COVID-19 cases, including 78 deaths and 505 discharges, had been reported in the city while the states tally stood at 10,560 compared to just 3,408 cases as on June 1. The state capital has the highest number of cases among the districts.

“There is no question of imposing lockdown for any reason. In some areas (with high case load) we have already implemented lockdown, other than those places there is no question of it being implemented in other places,” Yediyurappa told reporters in Bengaluru.

Improving the economic situation of the state was also equally important, he said ahead of his meeting with Ministers, MLAs and MPs of all parties from Bengaluru to discuss measures to control COVID-19.

We are talking to elected representatives from Bengaluru from all parties. We are confident that we can beat COVID-19. We have everyone’s support and cooperation. There is no question of another lockdown in Bengaluru as the economic situation is equally important. Lockdown is only for the areas that have already been shut down,” he told reporters.

“I will discuss with all MLAs including those from opposition and Ministers from Bengaluru and come to some decision. With their cooperation we will make all honest efforts to control the pandemic in Bengaluru,” he added.

Related news: Bengaluru may see another lockdown if COVID-19 cases spike

Earlier, there had been intense speculation after some ministers said the government may have to consider re-imposing the lockdown, eased in phases from the middle of last month, in view of continuing spike in new cases in the past several days.

Bengaluru was a “model” to the entire country in COVID management, but in recent days cases have increased, Yediyurappa said, adding to control it cooperation from everyone was necessary.

“I have confidence that if everyone (MLAs) pays special attention in their respective assembly constituency, COVID can be controlled,” he said.

Meanwhile, official sources said the chief minister has given Revenue Minister Ashoka the charge of overseeing the COVID management in the city.

(With inputs from agencies)