Bengaluru: The Karnataka Government announced a week long complete lockdown from Tuesday’s night due to surge in Covid-19 cases. The Covid-19 spreading in the villages is one of the causes to impose complete lockdown in Bengaluru. According to KSRTC, more than 30,000 people left on Monday. They plan to run 1,000 buses on Tuesday. Besides, thousands of people had booked goods vehicles and left the city.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had appealed to the people last week not to leave Bengaluru, after thousands of people left the city. But Revenue Minister R Ashok said that people who want to leave Bengaluru should leave before Tuesday to avoid inconvenience due to the impending lockdown, and DCM and Transport Minister Lakshman Savadi said that the KSRTC will run its buses to facilitate people travelling from Bengaluru to other districts.

As thousands left the city on Monday morning, traffic was hit on Tumakuru Road, Mysuru Road, Hosur Road and Hyderabad Road. Many vehicles were stuck at toll gates and the staff there allowed all vehicles to go to clear the traffic. More than 2,000 taxi and private cars were seen in traffic and there was a 2km-long pileup at Navayuga toll near Nelamangala.

People headed towards Hosur, Mysuru and Anantapur (AP) said that they had plans to leave the city on Sunday itself, but they could not do so due to the curfew. Meanwhile, the social media was abuzz with the exodus from Bengaluru. Many expressed concern that people leaving Bengaluru might spread the virus in the villages, which lack medical facilities to treat Covid-19 patients.

Karnataka Government issues Lockdown SOPs given below: The government clearly given instructions to the public what they have do and not do in the lockdown period.

• Shops selling essentials including milk, groceries and vegetables, would be permitted to open from 5 am to 12 pm in the city and its surrounding areas during the lockdown.
• Home delivery of essentials will be allowed – a move aimed at reducing the movement of people outside their homes.
• Secretariat Offices in Vidhana Soudha and Vikas Soudha will work with 50 per cent strength.
• Construction work can continue where workers are available on site.
• Hospitals, medical shops will remain open.
• Civic amenities offices like power, water, LPG supply will be open
• Public transport will be suspended during the lockdown, which includes buses, metros and taxis except those hired for emergency, the guidelines said.
• Hotels and restaurants can operate for take away or home delivery only. Dine-in will not be allowed.
• Most government offices will be shut except those providing essential services. Those going to work for permitted activities can use their organisation ID cards to commute.
• Sports complexes, gymnasiums and swimming pools will be closed.
• Cinema halls and malls remain shut.
• Religious places will not be open for worship.