Lockdown may be extended in COVID hotspot regions
New Delhi: The states with a growing number of COVID-19 cases are likely to see a stricter lockdown post May 3 than those with Green Zones, sources said after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Chief Ministers on Monday.
The lockdown, sources said, is expected to continue in many places post May 3. However, the mode of restrictions and modalities of exit from the lockdown in Green Zones would be announced before the second phase of the lockdown ends.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen patnaik wanted the lockdown to be extended by one more month. According to sources, Patnaik who led the chorus for extension of lockdown said it has to be extended on May 3 to June 3. Sources said at least two states backed him, the Indian Express reported.
But the states that have a number of COVID-free districts wanted some restrictions to be eased so that more economic activities could be revived. However, all he states wanted to continue the restrictions on inter-state transportation as well as air and railway transport, indicating that the ban on such travel would continue post May 3.
In today’s video conference meeting with the Chief Ministers, Prime Minister Modi, however, assured that the state of economy is still in a good shape and there is no need to panic about it, sources said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was present in the meeting — her first since such video conferences began on March 20. However, there has been no announcement or assurance on the demands made by various states for more funds and an economic package.
According to an official note, Prime Minister Modi underlined that the lockdown has yielded positive results as the country has managed to save thousands of lives in the past one and a half months. Pointing out that India’s population is comparable to that of the combined population of several countries, Modi said that the country could protect its people because of the timely measures. “However, he forewarned that the danger of the virus is far from over and constant vigilance is of paramount importance,” sources said.
KV Network
