PM Modi promises limited relaxation from April 20 in some areas even as he extends nationwide lockdown till May 3

• Modi extended the nationwide lockdown which was supposed to end on April 14, till May 3.
• Modi however also said that a few areas may be opened up in a limited way from April 20.
• He also said that the government will keep a keen eye on hotspots, possible hotspots and prevent the spread of creation of new hotspots.
• Modi said that the detailed guidelines would be released by the government tomorrow (April 15).

Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the nationwide lockdown which was supposed to end today, till May 5, he also indicated a few relaxations. In his fourth address to the nation after the Coronavirus pandemic, Modi said that a few areas may be opened up in a limited way from April 20.

The exact details of relaxations that will be known tomorrow, will keep in mind the livelihoods of daily wagers who have suffered severely due to the lockdown. Food security is also on top of his mind as he will ensure that those areas with little spread and containment can re-start some amount of activity.

“Rabi crops are being harvested during this farming season. The government is trying to reduce the issues faced by farmers during this time,” he said.

Those states which are successful in adhering to the lockdown and did not let new hotspots emerge and reduced incidence at existing hotspots — may see relaxations.

To enable this relaxation, the government will keep a keen eye on hotspots, possible hotspots and prevent the spread of creation of new hotspots. For the next one week, India will enforce stricter measures to contain the virus.

“Any new hotspots will increase the challenges in our fight against Coronavirus. For the next one month, we need to be more stringent in our resolve,” said Modi.

He also said that the detailed guidelines would be released by the government tomorrow (April 15). Furthermore, until April 20, every locality, ward, district, and state will be observed in detail — how they are adhering to the lockdown, measures that they are taking to protect themselves will be analysed.

However, any decision taken for that will be completely conditional, and if the situation changes, or Coronavirus spreads, all relaxations will be reversed.

The PM also said that during this crucial time; there is no room to be careless.

The total number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus in India is 10,363. Of these, 8,988 are active cases of COVID-19, 1035 individuals have recovered and discharged from the hospital, according to the data by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

SEE ALSO: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends Coronavirus lockdown until May 3
India’s looming jobs crisis is starting to unravel within the first 21 days of coronavirus lockdown
Coronavirus News and Updates