Following requests from several states and experts, the Centre is mulling extending the 21-day lockdown, which will end on April 14th, 2020, till the end of the month.
The nation-wide lockdown was imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 25th, 2020 to contain the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
As of now, 4421 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 117 deaths have been reported in the country. In the last 24 hours, 354 new cases, 8 additional deaths have been reported.
326 persons have been cured/discharged after recovery. As per the present available data, an analysis of total confirmed cases shows that 76 per cent are male and 24 per cent female. Over 1,400 COVID-19 positive persons have been found linked to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi.
Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu also opined that this week will be critical for deciding on the exit from the present nation-wide restrictions.
He said that the data regarding the extent and rate of spread of virus infection will have a bearing on the exit strategy.
“The duration of the fight against the virus may be uncertain at the moment but we shall triumph in the end. Wisdom lies in minimizing the costs to the health and wealth of the people across the globe. India has shown the spirit to do so and this need to be sustained till the end. Let’s live with the hardship a little longer for a better tomorrow,” Naidu said.
Modi on April 6th, 2020 said that the fight against COVID-19 would be a long one and that the country has pledged to win the war against the high contagious virus.
“The world is going through a difficult time. Humanity is facing a crisis. We have to create our path during this challenging time and emerge victoriously,” said Modi.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on April 6th, 2020 had said he will appeal to Modi to extend lockdown to check the spread of coronavirus in the country.
The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh also hinted at extending the lockdown period as the numbers of positive cases are on the surge.
The lockdown has disrupted economic activity and caused an exodus of migrant workers from cities towards their villages.
Photo: Time8
