ADVERTISEMENT

Coronavirus: Prime Minister Modi To Discuss Extending India Lockdown With Chief Ministers On Saturday

Several states have favoured the extension to contain the fast-spreading coronavirus.

Prime Miinister Narendra Modi during a video conference. (Source: PTI)
Prime Miinister Narendra Modi during a video conference. (Source: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with chief ministers of all states on Saturday via video to decide whether the nationwide lockdown to check the spread of Covid-19 should be extended beyond April 14.

The video conference comes amid indications that the central government may extend the lockdown across the country beyond April 14 after several states have favoured the extension to contain the fast-spreading virus.

Addressing floor leaders of various parties who have representation in parliament, on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi had made it clear that the lockdown cannot be lifted in one go on April 14, asserting that the priority of his government is to “save each and every life”. According to an official statement, he said states, district administrations and experts have suggested extension of the lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.

Odisha has taken a lead and has extended the lockdown till April 30. “Prime Minister Modi made it clear that lockdown is not being lifted and also that the life pre-corona and post-corona will not be same,” Biju Janata Dal leader Pinaki Misra had told PTI after Wednesday’s interaction.

This is for the second time the prime minister will interact with the chief ministers via video link after the lockdown was imposed. During his April 2 interaction with chief ministers, Modi had pitched for a “staggered” exit from the lockdown. Before the lockdown was announced on March 24, the prime minister had interacted with the chief ministers on March 20 to discuss means to check the spread of the deadly virus.

Opinion
Coronavirus India Updates: Total Covid-19 Cases At 6,412, Death Toll At 199

According to a Health Ministry update this morning, the death toll due to Covid-19 has risen to 199 in India. The total number of coronavirus positivecases has climbed to 6,412.