Bengaluru: Karnataka Government has decided to continue lockdown in eight districts of the State, even as a decision on lifting it in remaining 23 districts will be taken by the Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa after a meeting in the evening.

In the meeting, the CM will review the situation with District Incharge Ministers, Technical Advisory Committee Meeting members, and concerned officers.

In a video conference held with concerned Incharge Ministers and Deputy Commissioners of high prevalence Districts here on Thursday, Yediyurappa directed to speed up testing and take adequate steps to curb Covid spread as the continuation of lockdown affected the economic growth.

Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol, who is also in charge Minister of Belagavi and Vijayapura Districts, urged the Chief Minister not to lift the lockdown but to extend it for one more week as the pandemic is yet to come under control.

In response, Yediyurappa not only permitted the extension of lockdown but also asked Deputy Commissioner of Belagavi and Vijayapura Districts to decide to lift lockdown from next week according to the situation prevailing. He also asked to decide to lift areas where relaxation can be given without affecting people's health.

The Districts where lockdown continues for one week include Mysore, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, Belagavi,Vijayapura, Mandya, Shivamogga, and Chikmagalur.

In all possibility lifting of the lockdown in the State capital in a phased manner will be taken by evening as the positive rate has come down to 4.39 per cent.