COVID-19: Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao Suggests Extending Coronavirus Lockdown In State For 2 More Weeks

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has suggested extending the coronavirus lockdown in the state for two more weeks. The Telangana CM said that he has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an extension of the lockdown arguing that there is no other option.

"We need to save lives, we can save the economy later," the Telangana Chief Minister said he told the Prime Minister.

Earlier, it was reported that KCR has extended the lockdown from April 14 to June 3. However, Telangana Chief Minister's Office soon clarified that the chief minister had only suggested extension of lockdown for 2 more weeks (after April 15). He took a reference from BCG report which suggested lockdown in India will be good until June 3.

There has been no announcement of any extension yet.

Earlier, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said that the state government has taken special measures to protect the medical staff who are treating COVID-19 patients. KCR announced 10 per cent special incentive to health care staff.

The chief minister held a high-level review meeting on Sunday at Pragathi Bhavan on measures being taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the state. "Medical and health staff are rendering great services to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Special measures are taken for the protection of their health," a release quoted Rao as saying.

As per official data released by the Health Ministry, Telangana has reported a total of 321 positive Covid-19 cases so far. It has recorded seven deaths.

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According to an official statement, the Chief Minister wanted funds donated for the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) to be utilised to procure PPEs, masks and medicines for the staff.

The Chief Minister said, for those coming to offer medical help, test kits, PPEs, masks and other medicines are available in adequate numbers. Even if there was an increase in patients in the future, PPEs and masks will be procured as per the demand.

Rao instructed the officials concerned to take all the protective measures for the medical and health employees. (With ANI Inputs)