Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said India’s nationwide lockdown will be extended till May 3 and indicated phased relaxation of it, if areas in all states succeed in not turning themselves into hotspots from April 20.
“Everyone suggested that the lockdown be extended. Already, some states have decided to extend the lockdown. Keeping all the suggestions, which were made by chief ministers and citizens, in mind, it has been decided that the lockdown in India will now have to be extended till May 3,” he said addressing the nation on television.
This means, the Prime Minister said, every person will observe lockdown till May 3 and follow the guidelines in the same way as people have been doing.
Modi also said certain economic activities will be allowed from April 20 in those areas which have not turned into hotspot zones.
“Areas that will succeed in this litmus test. The test of – not getting themselves tagged as hotspots, and likely to be turned into a hotspots. In those areas, some important (economic) activities can be allowed from April 20,” he said.
Therefore, no one should be callous and allow others to be callous, Modi said, adding that a detailed guideline will be issued by the government in this regard tomorrow.
He also said that till April 20 from today, strict restrictions will be imposed to fight the deadly virus.
“Every town by 20 April. Every police station; every district; every state will be tested and scrutinised how the lockdown guidelines are being followed and how well the areas have been protected themselves from Coronavirus,” he said.
Modi requested people not to allow Coronavirus to spread into new areas at any cost, otherwise it will be a matter of concern for the country.
“My request to all my countrymen is that, we should not allow Coronavirus to spread to new areas. If a single patient is added at the local level now, then it will be a matter of concern for us,” he said.
Therefore, the Prime Minister said, it is important to be very careful about hotspots and have to keep a close watch on he places which are expected to be converted into hotspots.
“Creating new hotspots, will further challenge our hard work and our austerity,” Modi added.
