Will PM Narendra Modi Extend Coronavirus Lockdown Beyond April 14? National Address Expected Before Tuesday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address the nation soon on whether the lockdown will end on Tuesday, April 14. However, before the decision on coronavirus lockdown, PM Modi will hold a high-level meeting chief ministers on Saturday via a video conference. It is to be noted that PM Modi had on March 23 announced a complete lockdown in the country amidst rising cases of coronavirus.

According to NDTV report, the lockdown may be extended but with many changes this time around. Interstate movement will remain restricted, except for essential services. Schools, colleges and religious institutions are likely to stay closed. “Some sector specific relaxation is likely to be allowed with social distancing norms,” NDTV quoted a source as saying.

Many states including Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh have already sought an extension of the 21-day nationwide lockdown. Odisha on Thursday became the first state to announce a lockdown till the end of this month. On the other hand,

Recently, in a video meeting with leaders of all parties, PM Modi suggested that the lockdown to check the spread of coronavirus will be extended and restrictions will not be lifted in one go after April 14. PM Modi had further stated that he would consult with Chief Ministers but by all accounts the lifting of the lockdown "is not possible".

The total number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 6,412 on Friday, including 199 deaths. Thirty-three deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours.

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It is worth mentioning here that the novel coronavirus, which originated in China, has claimed thousands of lives across the world. Over 14.5 lakh people have been infected with the coronavirus across the globe, with the global death toll crossing 84,000. With no known cure so far for the coronavirus, the deadly disease has become a major issue for the entire world.

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