Lockdown extended across India till May 3 with some relaxations from April 20: PM Narendra Modi

New Delhi, April 14, 2020: Prime Minister Narendra in his address to the nation today, which is the last day of 21 days nationwide lockdown, said that the lockdown across India has been extended till May 3. There will be some relaxations in places where there are less or no Coronavirus positive cases.

“We had taken steps very early before it turned into a big problem. We had stopped crowded places like malls, gym, and educational institutions etc very early. Even when India did not have a single corona patient, India had begun screening passengers from #COVID19 affected countries. Even before #COVID19 cases touched 100, India made it compulsory for foreign returnees to remain in 14 days isolation. We imposed 21-day lockdown when we had 550 cases. People are fighting Coronavirus like disciplined soldiers”, PM Modi said.

“India did not wait for the problem to escalate, rather, as soon as the problem appeared, we tried to stop it by taking swift decisions. I can’t imagine what the situation would have been if such quick decisions were not taken. We have taken hard steps resulting in economic losses but it cannot be more than the lives of people. After discussing with Chief Ministers of States we have decided to increase the lockdown till May 3”, he added.

“We cannot allow new hotspots. Some states have already increased lockdown. In the next week, we will make stringent rules to strictly implement the lockdown rule. In one week, we will scrutinize steps taken by various steps taken by local bodies and state governments. Till 20th April, all districts, localities, states will be closely monitored, as to how strictly they are implementing norms. States which will not let hotspots increase, they could be allowed to let some important activities resume, but with certain conditions. But if cases arise, we will again impose the restrictions. The government will issue detailed guidelines by tomorrow”, PM Modi announced.

“COVID19 testing is being done in over 220 labs. According to world’s experience of tackling COVID-19, 1500-1600 beds are needed when cases reach 10,000. We have over 1 lakh beds in India & over 600 hospitals for treating COVID patients. We’re expanding these facilities

While making new guidelines, we have kept in mind the interests of the poor and daily wage workers. Harvesting of Rabi crops is also underway. Central Govt and state Govts are working together to ensure that farmers face minimal problems”, PM further added.

According to Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India’s total number of #Coronavirus positive cases has reached to 10,363  (including 8988 active cases, 1035 cured/discharged/migrated and 339 deaths). A total of 1211 new cases and 31 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.

PM Modi appealed to India to follow following Saptapadi:

1- Respect and care to elder at home especially who are already having health issues

2- Strictly follow social distancing & lockdown rules,

3- To increase Immunity follow guidelines of AYUSH ministry, advice of administration,

4- Download Arogya Setu mobile app & appeal to known people for the same,

5- Look after poor families as much as possible to you,

6- Be kind supportive to staff/ co-workers, do not sack them from jobs

7- Respect Police, Health workers, Doctors, nurses, essential services workers.