Covid-19: PM Narendra Modi extends world’s biggest lockdown till May 3

The fight against coronavirus was still on, said PM Narendra Modi in his address to the nation and warned that the coming week would see more strict action to contain the damage

The nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic would remain in force till May 3, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, as the number of people suffering from the disease in India touched 10,453 and deaths topped 358, according to Worldometer.

“In view of all suggestions, it has been decided that the nationwide lockdown would be extended until May 3. This means we all will have to stay indoors, in a lockdown, until May 3 — with the same discipline and resolve that we have shown so far,” said PM Modi in a televised address to the nation at 10 am. In his address, the PM said that we would have to keep an eye on newer hotspots and take stringent measures to curb the spread.

“In the next few days, you will see more strict actions to contain the damage. Till April 20, there will be a careful survey and evaluation to see how each region has fared in stopping the spread. Those areas that show remarkable improvement in terms of not allowing new hotspots to be created will see some relaxation in lockdown rules after April 20. However, if we see any carelessness or dangers afterwards, these relaxations would be revoked. A detailed list of guidelines on this will be issued by the government tomorrow,” the PM warned.

“These steps are being proposed in view of the economic needs of the poor, who rely on the wages they earn on a daily basis. These poor and daily-wage workers indeed are my family. They and the mitigation of their problems are my priority. Their welfare has been kept in mind while drafting the new guidelines. Rabi harvest is on in the country these days; the welfare of farmers will be kept in mind. Global experience tells us that when the number of cases reaches 10,000 in a country, 1,500-1,600 hospital beds are required. But in India we have made available as many as 100,000 beds,” he added…Read More