Gujarat will follow Centre on extension of lockdown: official

Ahmedabad, Apr 11 () The Gujarat government onSaturday said that it would follow the recommendations of theCentre on possible extension of ongoing lockdown to stem thespread of coronavirus.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday had a videoconference with chief ministers to discuss the future oflockdown.

Gujarat has so far recorded 468 COVID-19 cases and 22people have succumbed to the infection in the state till now.

"We will follow recommendations by the Centre on theissue of extension of lockdown," a senior government officertold .

"The notification of lockdown was issued by the centreand we will do whatever the centre tells us to do in comingdays," the officer further said.

When asked about reports that Gujarat suggested astaggered lifting of lockdown and relaxation in unaffectedareas to start economic activities, the officer said, "This isall speculation.

After the meeting with prime minister, the governmentsof Maharashtra and West Bengal declared extension of lockdownby 15 days.

Ninety new COVID-19 cases were reported in Gujarat onSaturday while three patients died.

Lockdown has badly affected the state's revenue andeconomic activities, while lakhs of migrant workers arestranded in various parts of the state without jobs. PDKRK KRK