There has been endless rumour-mongering on social media about an alleged lockdown in Telangana. Putting a full-stop to the rumours, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday made it clear that there will be no lockdown.

Addressing the Assembly, KCR said that there won’t be any lockdown in the State. He urged everyone to wear a mask and stay safe.

KCR's statement on the floor of the Assembly must be soothing to the ears of small businesses. It's also a rational decision, given that the economy just can't afford another bout of even a mini lockdown. Last year's intense lockdown resulted in the closure of thousands of businesses and loss of livelihoods.

The other day, Cinematography Minister T Srinivas Yadav had ruled out locking down of theatres. It was the first indication that the government's policy would be saying a strict no to lockdown all over.