Lockdown extended till May 3, Hotspots to be under strict monitoring till April 20

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation announced the extension of the nationwide lockdown by more than a fortnight in a bid to contain the spread of the deadly COVID-19. The necessary lockdown has been extended till May 3.

The prime minister said that the timely decision taken by the government to impose the first 21-day nationwide lockdown has helped in mitigating the situation that could have become far worse if this step would have been delayed. In view of the increasing cases in the country, that has now crossed the 10,000th mark, he has extended the lockdown further.

“In my discussions with the state governments, and various stakeholders, one thing was unanimous: That we should extend the lockdown. So, I announce today that the lockdown will be extended till May 3,” he said.

He said that if the number of cases and deaths in the country go up, it will be a matter of grave concern and hence urged citizens to be more vigilant than before. “We will impose more stringent measures in the next week. Till April 20, we will evaluate how different states are dealing with the pandemic. States which will not let hotspots increase, they could be allowed to let some important activities resume, but with certain conditions,” PM?Modi said.

The prime minister warned that in the coming week, strict rules and guidelines will be followed in the identified hotspots across the country. This strictness will only be relaxed if the spots show signs of improvement.

"Every town ,every police station, every district, every state till April 20 will be tested like how much lockdown is being followed, how much that area has protected itself from corona, and it will be analysed and seen," Modi said.

"And the areas that will succeed in this litmus test, which will not be in the hotspot, and who will be less likely to turn into a hotspot, there, some important activities can be allowed from April 20," he said.

The PM highlighted 7 things to follow:

1. Take care of the elderly

2. Strictly follow the guidelines of lockdown

3. Increase immunity, follow Ayush ministry guidelines

4. Download Arogya Setu App

5. Help poor families

6. Don't take away the jobs of your employees

7. Respect Corona warriors

Cases in India have crossed the 10,000th mark. The country has registered a total number of 10,363, COVID-19 cases, out of which 1,036 people have been discharged or recovered. The death toll stands at 339.