Nationwide Lockdown Extended till May 3, Announces PM Modi

New Delhi, April 14, 2020:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14 announced that the nationwide lockdown will be extended till May 3. Earlier, the country was under complete lockdown, barring essentials, for 21 days.

The nationwide lockdown has been extended in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the country. At the same time, the Prime Minister has also urged the people to stay put where they are, amid reports that restrictions on inter-state travel will not be eased anytime soon.

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PM Modi said that the decision has been taken after consultation with the State Chief Ministers in a meeting that was held on April 11.

Modi also called upon the people of the state to take care of the elders with co-morbid conditions, take care of the unprivileged ones.

"Respect people who are helping us in this tough time like healthcare workers, sanitation workers, Police, etc. With all dedication, follow the lockdown till May 3. Stay wherever you are and be safe," said the PM.

He has also urged the people to download the Aarogya Setu App and ask others to download too and use home-made masks sincerely. Keeping in view the grave situation, Modi has urged people to refrain from snatching people's jobs.

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"We will issue a detailed guideline tomorrow. We are making attempts so that farmers, poor people are least affected. If we will have patience, we will defeat the coronavirus," said PM Modi.

He further said that the country has to fight the coronavirus battle even more strictly. Asserting that stringent measures will be enforced now, PM Modi said, "We cannot let our guard lower now. The hotspots need to stay alert and the places which are emerging as new hotspots need to be closely monitored as well. Till April 20, we will monitor how well the districts are doing. In places where the situation is improving, few relaxations will be made," PM Modi said, adding that relaxations will be cancelled if the situation deteriorates later.

The Prime Minister, during his address to the nation, praised the public for cooperating with the lockdown. "India adopted holistic, integrated approached. We have fared better when compared to other countries. Even when India did not have a single corona patient, India had begun screening passengers from COVID-19 affected countries. We have benefited a lot due to social distancing and lockdown. While there have been huge economic costs, we have been able to save many lives. We are on the right path in this fight against the virus," said Modi.

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The Prime Minister, while addressing the nation, also wished the people on the occasion of Baisakhi, Poila Boishakh, Bihu and many more festivals across the country. "This is a festive season in India. Despite this, Indians are following lockdown. This is very inspiring," PM Modi said. "I respectfully bow to the people of India for their sacrifice," he added.

The Prime Minister has urged the country to stand as "We the People" and that it will be a  befitting tribute to Dr. BR Ambedkar on his 129th birth anniversary.

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