Lockdown in the country to be extended till 3rd May: PM Modi

The
Government has decided to extend lockdown till 3rd of May. Addressing the
nation today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, stakeholders including states
and people have favoured extension of lockdown.

Mr. Modi
said, tight vigil will be kept on all hotspots and containment zones and strict
implementation of the lockdown will be ensured in coming days so that the virus
does not spread to new areas. He added all districts, localities and states
will be closely monitored over its performance with respect to implementation
of lockdown norms and management of hotspots, till 20th April.

The Prime
Minister said, after 20th April, States which will not have hotspots or which
have not allowed hotspots to come up, they could be allowed, with certain
conditions, to let some important activities resume. He stated that Government
will come out with extensive guidelines tomorrow on the extended lockdown. He
further said, while making new guidelines, govt have kept in mind the interests
of the poor and daily wage workers.

The Prime
Minister said, India’s fight against coronavirus is going on very strongly and
people have saved the country while facing difficulties. He said, for the sake
of the country, people are performing their duties like a disciplined soldier.
Mr Modi said, the display of the collective strength of people is a true
tribute to Dr B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary.

Speaking on
the lockdown, the Prime Minister said, it has proved to be effective in
containment of COVID-19. He lauded the patience and discipline of citizens in
making lockdown successful. Mr Modi said early preparedness helped the country
in effective containment of infection. He sought cooperation of citizens on 7
points during the ongoing lockdown.

He also
urged people to respect corona warriors – doctors, nurses, sweepers &
police personnel. He appealed to citizens to be kind to their workers in their
business & industry and not to terminate them in case of financial
hardships.

Prime
Minister said screening at airports began even before any case of COVID-19
surfaced in the country. He said, holistic and integrated approach and timely
decisions have put the country in a much better position compared to most of
the developed countries in terms of the number of people infected.