With the aim of containing the surge in coroanvirus cases, Karnataka has decided to resort to a near-total lockdown for 14 days. Starting from April 27, the lockdown will come into effect from 9 PM.

Chief Minister BS Yedyurappa, who has joined the likes of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, today said that essentials can be accessed from 6 am to 10 am every day. Post 10 am, it's mandatory on the part of all shops to be shut down.

What makes this lockdown strict is also the fact that public transport will not be operating.

Agriculture, construction and manufacturing (with the exception of garments) will be operating, though.

The CM today also announced that vaccination will be free for individuals between the ages of 18 and 44, too, from May 1. It's already free for those above the age of 45.