India to remain in lockdown till May 3, announces Prime Minister Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that the current lockdown will be extended till May 3, saying it is very necessary to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the country.
He said,’Till 20th April, all districts, localities, states will be closely monitored, as to how strictly they are implementing norms. States which will not let hotspots increase, they could be allowed to let some important activities resume, but with certain conditions.
Even when India did not have a single corona patient, India had begun screening passengers from COVID19 affected countries. Even before #COVID19 cases touched 100, India made it compulsory for foreign returnees to remain in 14 days isolation. We imposed 21-day lockdown when we had 550 cases, he added.
Prime Minister said, ‘India did not wait for the problem to escalate, rather, as soon as the problem appeared, we tried to stop it by taking swift decisions. I can’t imagine what the situation would have been if such quick decisions were not taken.’
He said, ‘People have gone through hardships to save India. I know how many difficulties you faced. I respectfully bow to the people of India for their sacrifice.’
While making new guidelines, we have kept in mind the interests of the poor and daily wage workers. Harvesting of Rabi crops is also underway. Central Govt and state Govts are working together to ensure that farmers face minimal problems.
I urge people to respect corona warriors – doctors, nurses, sweepers & police personnel. Please be kind to people who work with you in your business & industry. Don’t terminate your employees, said PM Modi.
Talking about the preparation in Health Sector, PM said ‘COVID19 testing is being done in over 220 labs. According to world’s experience of tackling COVID-19, 1500-1600 beds are needed when cases reach 10,000. We have over 1 lakh beds in India & over 600 hospitals for treating COVID patients. We’re expanding these facilities.’
