The state government of Karnataka has ordered a complete lockdown in Bengaluru and its surrounding rural regions after a surge in coronavirus cases.

Footage from July 12 shows empty streets and closed shops in the city.

The week-long lockdown will commence from 8 am on July 14 till 5 am on July 22.

The government, which initially ruled out another lockdown, was forced to take the extreme decision as cases rose over the last ten days.

The state government has announced a complete lockdown in the state on all Sundays till August 2.

Three days after admitting that it was caught off-guard by the sudden surge in Covid-19 numbers in the city, the State Government on Saturday announced a week-long lockdown in Bengaluru and Bengaluru Rural districts starting with effect from July 14.
An official order declaring the lockdown starting from 8 pm on July 14 to 5 am on July 22 in Bengaluru and Bengaluru Rural districts will be issued on Sunday, a statement issued by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said.

The government, which had time and again ruled out that another lockdown would be imposed, was forced to take the extreme decision for a complete shutdown after increasing pressure from BBMP corporators and other elected representatives following the sudden surge in Covid-19 numbers in Bengaluru in the last 10 days.