Prime Minister Modi Extends Lockdown till May 3, 2020

On April 14, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the lockdown has been extended till May 3, 2020. The lockdown is extended to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. The PM began his address, saying that India is doing well to tackle the coronavirus menace. He accepted the problems being faced by people. Remembering B R Ambedkar, he said, “In our constitution, ‘We the People’ is written, and this fight signifies it”. He said India is a country of festivals, referencing the various New Year festivals across states. “In the shackles of lockdown, the people of the country are following the lockdown with utmost patience, and are celebrating with simplicity, which is highly inspiring”.

The Measures Taken

He stated Social Distancing has paid off well in the battle against coronavirus. While it may seem expensive to carry out, it is necessary to save the lives of Indians. The PM praised the states for their timely efforts. They have extensively discussed to win against coronavirus with limited troubles and economic impact. He showed that the health infrastructure has improved by giant strides. He stated beds have increased, labs have come up, more than 600 hospitals are working for treatment. Every day, these facilities are being added upon. He also requested young scientists to come forth and help in creating a vaccine.

Extension of Lockdown till May 3′

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the lockdown has been extended till May 3, and that coronavirus should be curbed at every level. Even one death should increase our tension. Hotspots have to be surveilled with more vigilance and arrival of new hotspots will be problematic. Till April 20, harsh steps will be taken to curb its spread in the country. Hotspots will be carefully surveilled. Whatever relaxations are granted during the lockdown to some areas will be conditional and even if one case gets reported, the relaxations will be taken back. A proper report on the lockdown and its measures will be issued tomorrow. New guidelines will be made for daily wage workers. Cutting of Rabi crops is on, and measures will be taken to reduce the problems of farmers.

Understanding the Seven Steps

PM Modi emphasized 7 steps to be followed.

1. Take proper care of the senior citizens of your house, particularly those with underlying problems.
2. Lockdown and social distancing should be properly followed. Use home-made face covers and masks.
3. Increase your immunity by following directions given by Ayush Ministry.
4. To help curb coronavirus spread, download Aarogya Setu application.
5. Help poor families, wherever possible.
6. In your businesses, help your coworkers, don’t reduce people.
7. Respect the Coronavirus ‘soldiers’ — doctors, nurses, sanitation workers.

Other Countries Compared to India

As per Modi, India, compared to other countries has been able to curb the spread of COVID-19 better. He elaborated, “Even when we did not have even one case, we had started the screening at airports. Before cases reached 100, foreign travellers were surveilled. When India had 550 cases, it had started a 21-day lockdown.”

The 21-day lockdown was to end tomorrow i.e. April 15. Prime Minister ended his addresses by asking people to be very vigilant in following the coronavirus lockdown. He wished everyone good health against this global threat.

 

Click here to read more about COVID-19 lockdown.