NEWS- North – East-West -South !
In an address to the nation, Narendra Modi announced that India will remain under lockdown until early May, with stricter measures to be implemented in order to ensure adherence to the extension
“After speaking to all States and even based on suggestions from our citizens, the lockdown has been extended to May 3. Till April 20, identified hotspots will see even more strict checks and only when there is some success in dealing with the outbreak in designated hotspots, will some freedom of mobility be granted, that too under strict conditions. I keep in my mind our poor brothers and daily-wage workers when I speak of opening spaces, but even if one case emerges from these hotpots, the lockdown will be back in place again,” he said.
He said that he wanted the country to follow seven steps or a new set of Saptapadi (seven steps around the fire in the sacrament of the Hindu wedding ceremony). “I want you all to take care of the elderly in your home, especially those with co-morbidities, as they are especially vulnerable. To be vigilant in maintaining the lockdown and social distance, use face masks, especially home-made face masks. The advisory issued by the Ayush Ministry of measures to boost immunity should also be followed, and please download the AarogyaSetu App, and encourage others to do so, as well. As much as possible, try and help out the poor and indigent, be sympathetic to colleagues and avoid retrenchments in this challenging time. Accord respect and dignity to corona warriors like doctors, health workers, sanitation workers, police and others,” he said.
The Prime Minister also changed his display picture in his Twitter account to one wearing a traditional “Gamcha” as face mask, immediately after his address to the nation.
Mr. Modi’s announcement was preceded by several Chief Ministers extending lockdowns in their States, including Telangana, Odisha, Punjab and Arunachal Pradesh.
