Coronavirus: Nationwide lockdown to be extended by 2 weeks
Mere four days before the nationwide lockdown in India was supposed to be lifted, the Centre decided to extend it by two more weeks. The decision comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with the Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories over the matter. The 21-day nationwide lockdown was earlier supposed to last until April 14.
Lockdown extended by 2 weeks; guidelines to be issued soon
Broadcast news network Times Now was the first to report that the lockdown in India has been extended by two weeks. Thereafter, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal confirmed the development on Twitter saying, "PM has taken correct decision to extend lockdown." An official announcement is expected soon, wherein the government will reportedly also detail the guidelines of the lockdown and the exemptions under it.
You can view Kejriwal's tweet here
Government will announce guidelines in next 1-2 days: Karnataka CM
Speaking to reporters after the meeting with PM Modi, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said, "The PM told us we must not compromise on the lockdown and we are receiving suggestions for extending it for next 15 days." He added, "The PM said, in the next 1-2 days, the government of India will announce guidelines for the next 15 days."
Next 2 weeks lockdown will be different, says Yediyurappa
Several states had urged Centre to extend lockdown
Reportedly, the Chief Ministers of several states such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh had urged the PM to extend the lockdown during the meeting. Earlier this week, PM Modi had himself said during an all-party meeting that lifting the lockdown after April 14 was not possible. Meanwhile, Odisha and Punjab have already extended the lockdown till April 30 and May 1 respectively.
Puducherry CM details what happened during today's meeting
Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy quoted PM Modi as saying that extending the lockdown "is a must". He said PM was in favor of continuing farm activity. Narayanasamy said most CMs had raised the issue of migrant laborers and the poor persons losing on livelihood. He added that PM "didn't say anything" when states facing financial crunch asked for funds and moratorium on debts.
Jaan bhi and jahan bhi: Modi during meeting with CMs
Modi said during the meeting, "'Jaan hai to jahan hai'—I had said to save life of every citizen, lockdown and social distancing are very important. Most understood this and stayed at home." Modi added, "'Jaan bhi and jahan bhi'—a future where people care about both aspects, follow their duties and abide by the government's directions—this will be important for India's prosperous and healthy future."
Nationwide lockdown was to last until April 14
The 21-day nationwide lockdown was effective from March 25 and was earlier scheduled to last until April 14. However, even as experts said the lockdown helped slow down the outbreak, the number of COVID-19 cases continued to rise.
India's Health Ministry confirmed 7,400 COVID-19 cases, 239 deaths
Notably, on Saturday, the number of COVID-19 cases in India stood at 7,447, according to the latest update from the Union Health Ministry. The total cases include 239 deaths and 6,565 active cases along with 642 patients who have been cured/discharged and one who migrated out of India. However, till Friday, a NewsBytes tally reported over 7,500 COVID-19 cases and 254 deaths.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 was first reported in China's Wuhan city late last year. The disease is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The virus attacks a host's respiratory system triggering symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it may cause pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or death. COVID-19 has spread to over 170 countries, killing 1 lakh people and sickening 17 lakh.
