Modi announces near 3-week extension of Lockdown till May 3

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced another 3-week extension to the nationwide lockdown.

In his address to the nation, he announced that given the current situation it is necessary to extend the lockdown period till May 3, 2020.

The Prime Minister said that till April 20, harsh steps will be taken to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the country. Hotspots will be carefully watched. He added that whatever relaxations granted during the lockdown to some areas will be upon conditions. Even if one such case is reported, the relaxations will be taken back.

He said that a detailed guideline on the lockdown will be released tomorrow. The guideline has been prepared keeping the interests of daily wage earners, farmers in mind.

Modi has thanked the people of India for their cooperation for the 21-day lockdown. ” The people of India have supported the lockdown like soldiers and due to the lockdown, India has managed to keep the virus in control as compared to the developed countries.

He advised people to take extra care of the older members of the family especially those who already have health issues as they are the most vulnerable to the virus. He also advised people to maintain social-distancing and use homemade masks.

The Prime Minister has advised employers and companies not to fire people during this challenging time.