Bengaluru: The Karnataka state government has decided to take a final view on the lockdown exit strategy by April 13, said  Minister K Sudhakar, who is also the in-charge for all matters related to COVID-19 in the state.

Karnataka is currently engaged in discussions with experts, specialists and other stakeholders to decide on its lockdown exit strategy and Sudhakar reminded that the state will have a video conference with Prime Minister day after tomorrow.

He said that the task force appointed to look into the COVID-19 issue in the state has submitted its report and the state is meeting stakeholders, taking their views.

“Finally, day after tomorrow, after discussing with the Prime Minister during the VC, the government will take a view on this by April 13 or so. As of now, we have not taken any view on it. We are studying all the reports,” Sudhakar told PTI.

The Minister observed that the Covid-19 cases were slowly spiking in India but not multiplying the way they have in some other countries like Italy, Spain and the United States as the government had declared 21-day national lockdown early and taken other strict measures. “Let’s see for one week and see.”

“We need to fight this out collectively and by strictly following the quarantine methods and social distancing,” Sudhakar stressed.

The Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had on Wednesday said his government was in favour of lifting lock-down in districts which remained free from Covid-19 after April 14 subject to approval from the Centre.

According to State officials, as many as 12 districts continue to remain free from Covid-19.

The task force has recommended continuation of lockdown at “hot spots” beyond April 14.

It has suggested that schools and colleges be shut till May 31, while non-air-conditioned shops can be opened.

Also, IT/BT companies, government offices providing essential services and factories can function with 50 per cent staff, the task force said in its recommendations for 15-day period after April 14.