TNI Bureau: PM Narendra Modi has announced extension of lockdown in India till May 3, 2020, saying the nation cannot drop the guard in fight against Coronavirus when things are on right track. Performance based relaxation could be given to the States after April 20, 2020.
Detailed guidelines on Lockdown 2.0 will be issued tomorrow. Protocols to be laid out for the States.
PM Modi hailed the sacrifice and endurance of common people in India and thanked everyone for their support in tough times.
While announcing the lockdown extension, PM Modi said that the government will monitor all States and some relaxation could be given in specific areas after April 2020. However, stricter social distancing norms need to be followed. PM Modi puts the onus of common people whether they would get the lockdown relaxation or not.
Modi Speaks:
? We are on the right path in fight against Coronavirus
? Even when India did not have a single corona patient, we had begun screening passengers from #COVID19 affected countries.
? Integrated approach helped our fight against COVID-19.
? Social Distancing and Lockdown helped India.
? India did not wait for the problem to escalate. We tried to stop as soon as it appeared by taking swift decisions.
? 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.
? Situation would have aggravated further had we not taken quick decisions.
? Till 20th April, all districts, localities, states will be closely monitored. States which will not let hotspots increase, would be allowed to let some important activities resume, but with riders.
? Stricter implementation of lockdown and monitoring for a week till April 20. Review of performance after that period.
? Performance of the States to be monitored and reviewed. Relaxation will be given on that basis. However, it would be withdrawn if they fail to comply and fresh cases of COVID-19 emerge.
? The new guidelines will safeguard the interests of the poor and daily wage workers. Centre and State Governments will continue to work together to ensure that poor and farmers are not affected.
? PM Modi asks people to look after elders in family with existing ailments and also download Aarogya Setu App.
? The PM asks Firms to empathize with employees at workplace, not to fire any staff.
? PM Modi requests all citizens of India to help poor families.
? The PM also urged people to show respect to the warriors against Corona pandemic, such as doctors, safai karmis and police personnel.