Expert committee in Karnataka for continuation of lockdown in hotspots with some relaxations

A committee of health experts

tasked with devising an exit strategy for coronavirus lockdown in Karnataka has recommendedfor its continuation in "hotspots" along with some relaxations.

In its recommendations submittedto Chief Minister B S Yediyurappaon Wednesday, it has said schools and colleges should remain shut till May 31 and advocated restrictions on public transport to continue for some more time even as suggesting odd-even formula for private vehicles.

While non-air conditioned shops can be allowed to function and IT/BT companies, government officesproviding essential services and factories can operate with 50 per cent staff, the committe said.

The recommendations were for a period of next 15 days from April 14 after the current national lockdown, an official release said

The committeecomprising among others Narayana Health founder-chairman Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences director Dr C N Manjunath was set up for devising the exit strategy for the lockdown.

 

According to a release from his office, the Chief Minister has said the governmentwill take action after considering both central government guidelines and recommendationsof the committee.

While calling for maintaining utmost caution for next six months, the committee has said that social distancing should be strictly followed.

The recommendations include, enforcing lockdown locally at places where cases have been reported after March 24.

Calling for closure of school and colleges until May 31, it says, online classes should be encouraged.

Only goods carrying vehicles should be permitted at inter state borders, the recommendationssaid, inter-state train and flight services should not be resumed for the time being.

Urging for restrictions on unnecessary movement of people, it said, AC buses and metro services should not be allowed to function till April 30, and for private vehicle movement odd-even formula can be adopted.

By opening local shops for more time, care should be taken that they are not crowded, it added.

Noting that protective equipment should be made available to doctors, nurses, and other paramedic staff, the release quoting committee recommendations said, after April 12 rapid test kits will be supplied following which quarantine and tests process will get a boost.

It also said for non COVID patients, private hospitals should provide tele-consultations to the extent possible.