68 million under coronavirus lockdown as Indian state of Karnataka announces stricter measures

68 million under coronavirus lockdown as Indian state of Karnataka announces stricter measures

Authorities in Karnataka, India on Monday announced a statewide lockdown starting March 24.

Authorities in Karnataka, India on Monday announced a statewide lockdown starting March 24.

The lockdown, which is expected to last until the end of the month, was announced after seven new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, bringing the total of cases to 33.

The Chief Minister of Karnataka tweeted on Monday: "After assessing the situation of Covid-19, we have decided to lockdown not just 9 districts but the whole state of Karnataka starting tomorrow till March 31st.

I request all citizens to co-operate and please stay indoors." Footage filmed on Tuesday (March 24) shows empty streets and closed shops.

Karnataka has a population of 68 million.