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Bengaluru, Mar 22: The Karnataka government on Sunday afternoon announced that 9 districts in the State will be under lock down till March 31, barring essential services. It also announced imposition of Section 144 across the state for 3 hours - between 9 p.m. (when the "Janata curfew" will end) to 12 midnight.

The nine COVID-19-affected districts are Bengaluru, Bengaluru Rural, Mysuru, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada (Mangaluru), Dharwad, Belagavi, Kalaburgi and Chikkablapur.

Announcing these measures after attending a meeting chaired by Chief Minister B. S Yeddyurappa, Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that there will be no commercial activity in these districts till March 31.

Inter-district movement, including public transport will be restricted. "Public transport will not work across the state tomorrow too. Air conditioned buses will be stopped till March 31," he added. He also clarified that while public transport, including KSRTC, BMTC and Namma Metro, will be withdrawn, private transport services such as cabs and autos will continue to ply.

According to Mr. Bommai, the State government will put in place further measures next week depending on how the situation will unfold in the State and the neighbouring States.

"Government offices will be operational in the State, including in the nine COVID 19-affected districts. As per the current schedule, the legislature sessions will also continue. Pourakarmikas will be working at 50% strength," he added.

Bengaluru,  Jul 18: Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers DV Sadananda Gowda on Friday said that Government of India headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been extending all possible assistance to state government in their endeavour to combat the deadly coronavirus.

In a statement released after participating in a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa in Bengaluru today, Gowda said he shared his views with the state government on how to control the spread of COVID-19 in the state in general and Bengaluru in particular.

He said the Centre was in constant touch with the state government on the issue. The centre is more than happy to extend any help further if Karnataka requires so.

"Being a Union Minister handling the Pharmaceutical Department also, I am closely monitoring the medicine demand and supply situation across the country on a day-to-day basis. The availability of required medicines including HCQ and Paracetamol is satisfactory in all states including Karnataka. Also, there has been enough lifesaving drugs in our Jan Aushadhi Kendras all over India. Over 600 such outlets exist in Karnataka alone," he said.

"If there is any issue related to medicine shortage or overpricing, one can bring it to my knowledge or call PMBJP tollfree number 18001808080 or NPPA number 18001112550 / 011-23345118 / 011-23345122. The grievances will surely be resolved to everybody's satisfaction" added the minister.

With related to state governments or private agencies seeking to import emergency medicines, medical equipment etc., Gowda assured, we would facilitate required licences without any delay.

"I strongly feel that it is our collective responsibility to use everything in our armour to defeat the pandemic. We also seek public support in this mission. Together, we will win," he said.