India COVID-19 Cases: PM Modi had declared a 21-day nationwide lockdown.
Highlights
- Lockdown extension has been suggested due to rapid spread of virus cases
- Certain parts will be re-opened due to rising unemployment, PM said
- Number of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 5,194 in India with 149 deaths
Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested today that the lockdown to check the spread of coronavirus will be extended and restrictions will not be lifted in one go after April 14, amid a spurt in COVID-19 infections in the country.
In a video meeting with leaders of all parties, PM Modi reportedly said he would consult with Chief Ministers but by all accounts the lifting of the lockdown "is not possible".
"The priority of the government is to save each and every life. The situation in the country is akin to a 'social emergency', it has necessitated tough decisions and we must continue to remain vigilant," said the PM, according to political leaders who participated in the interaction.
Life will not be the same again after COVID-19, the Prime Minister said, adding that there would be "pre-corona and post-corona" for times to come.
"Massive behavioral, social and personal changes will have to take place," he reportedly told political leaders in the video conference.
"We can see that the world has changed so much compared to pre-World War 2 and post-World War 2. Similarly, pre-corona and post-corona is going to change the entire world and we will have to think according to the change."
The sweeping lockdown of 1.3 billion people to prevent an epidemic of COVID-19 ends on April 14 and PM Modi is due to take a decision this week on whether to extend it. Before a decision, he will hold a second meeting with Chief Ministers via video conference on Saturday.
Many states and experts have requested an extension, given the rapid spread of virus cases and warnings that the infection could peak in the coming weeks.
The crisis for thousands of migrant workers, rising unemployment and the strain on businesses has increased the pressure on the government to re-open parts of Asia's third largest economy. Among the plans in discussion is to seal off coronavirus hotspots while easing restrictions in other parts of the country.
A Group of Ministers suggested yesterday that schools, colleges and religious centres remain shut for more weeks.
It is unlikely that rail travel, buses, metros and religious gatherings will be allowed anywhere in the country.
The number of coronavirus cases in the country has climbed to 5,194, including 149 deaths.
PM Modi met with floor leaders of parties whose combined strength in the two houses of parliament adds up to five MPs or more.
Congress's Ghulam Nabi Azad, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut were among those who joined the video-con.
Last week, the Prime Minister had reached out to opposition leaders including Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and had asked for suggestions. He also spoke with former presidents Pratibha Patil and Pranab Mukherjee and former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda.