New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today extended the lockdown till May 3 and said any decision on easing restrictions in parts of the country would be taken after April 20, to keep in mind the difficulties of the poor.
“After taking into account all suggestions, we have decided to extend the lockdown till May 3,” PM Modi said in his 22-minute address.
“Till April 20, each district, each state will be monitored closely to see whether the lockdown is being followed. Then we can decide on relaxing the restrictions,” said the Prime Minister.
Some essential activities would be allowed in areas which showed improvement after April 20, he added.
The Prime Minister said, “My request to all my countrymen is that now Corona should not allow us to spread to new areas at any cost.” If a single patient grows at the local level then this should be a matter of concern for us. Therefore, we have to be very careful about hotspots. We will have to keep a close watch on the places that are expected to be converted into hotspots. The creation of new hotspots will further challenge our hard work and our austerity. ”
He said, “We the People of India, this is a true tribute to Baba Bhimrao Ambedkar’s performance of his collective resolve on his birthday.” I salute Baba Saheb on behalf of all the countrymen. I wish you and your family good health on the new year. ”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “How India has made efforts to prevent infection in comparison to other countries.” You have been its partner and witness as well. When we did not have a single case of Corona, before that the screening of the passengers coming to the corona affected had started at the airport. A 14-day isolation was started for people coming from abroad. When we had only 550 cases of Corona here, then India had taken a big step of the 21-day lockdown. India did not wait for the problem to escalate, but made every effort to stop it at the same time by taking swift decisions on seeing the problem.
PM Modi said, “Friends, this is such a crisis, which is not right to compare with any country, but if India is in a very stable position compared to the most powerful countries of the world. In a case of corona infection a month ago, in a way, they were standing equal to India. Today those countries have increased 25 to 35 times more than India. Had India not adopted holistic and integrated approach, we would have cried if we had seen India’s situation today.
He said, “India has got huge benefit of social distancing and lockdown. If you look only from the economic point of view, a huge price has to be paid. But people’s lives have a lot of value. Everybody has come forward to take charge of the 24 hours. Health experts and governments have been made more alert around the world. In India too, how should the battle proceed and how can we be victorious .. How can the losses be reduced and the problems of the people reduced. If it is accepted by the governments and citizens of all states, it is suggested to increase the lockdown. Decided to increase the lockdown. It has been decided to extend the lockdown till 3 May.
