Covid expected to peak in Karnataka on January 25: Minister

Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashoka said on Monday that COVID-19 experts expect the state to witness coronavirus infections touching the peak on January 25 before coming down gradually. Ashoka was addressing reporters after a meeting on COVID-19 chaired by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

"The experts are of the opinion that the COVID cases may reach the peak on January 25, after which it will gradually decrease. They were also of the view that the state should reduce testing from over two lakh a day to about 1.5 lakh as it does not help much," Ashoka said.

While ruling out any possibility of lockdown in the state, the minister added that the decision on extending the weekend curfew would be taken in the next emergency meeting on Friday. At today's meeting, it was decided to intensify vaccination for children between 15 and 18 years, he informed.

"Will wait for the peak to decide on extending the weekend curfew as it impacts public life," Ashoka said.

Hoteliers have requested the government to not impose weekend curfews. Responding to the plea, Asoka said, "We cannot risk the lives of 6.5 crore people to help hoteliers by lifting the weekend curfew. We will go by the experts, Centre and WHO's advisory on COVID."

Meanwhile, rallies, demonstrations and protests and congregations of more than 200 people in open places and 100 people in closed places during marriages are banned in the state till the end of January under section 144 (1) of the CrPC.