<span style="color: #222222;">Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has appealed to public to stay at home and stay safe and celebrate Ugadi new year tomorrow at home, without gathering in large numbers in public places. Speaking to media persons in Bengaluru this morning, he said social distancing alone can prevent COVID-19 pandemic. He warned that pandemic prevailing in urban areas will spread to rural areas, if drastic measures are not followed for the next eight days. Later Chief Minister announced in the Legislative Assembly today that social security pension, NREGA wages and ration provisions will be given in advance.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Task Force is working on creating infrastructure for testing and treating COVID-19 cases in the state. The War room functioning in the Municipal Corporation office is tracking and tracing ambulances and disinfectant services using GPS and GIS technology. The helplines created by the Health Department has 210 lines which can received over 40,000 calls in a day. It is helping callers through SMS in disseminating necessary information on hospitals available for treatment of the pandemic, ambulances services and also collecting data on the callers. Those arriving to the state are advised to remain in home isolation for 14 days irrespective of having any symptoms. They are told to avoid attending mass social gatherings. Media is told to disseminate information only after ascertaining facts from the Health Department. </span><br />''  <br />