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While urging the Centre to do the same, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik through a video message has announced that his state is the first to extend the lockdown till April 30 .
Accordingly, all schools will remain closed till June 17. The state has reported 42 coronavirus cases so far. It became the first state to announce an extension.
In his message Patnaik thanked the people of the state for their cooperation and said he knew it “involves a lot of sacrifice, hardship and uncertainty but this is the only way to face this crisis”. Citing the example of US, which is grappling with the pandemic, the CM said at this crucial juncture, “one has to decide between protecting lives of people and economic activity”.
Odisha Cabinet headed by CM @Naveen_Odisha decided to extend the state lockdown till April 30th & recommended Union Government to extend the national lockdown till then. CM requested the GoI not to start train & air services during the lockdown. #OdishaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/2hjTGqR0y6
— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) April 9, 2020
“The State Cabinet which met today decided that saving the lives of our people is the top most priority at this juncture. Accordingly we have decided to extend the lockdown till April 30. We will recommend to government of India to extend the national lockdown up to April 30,” he said. In addition to this, we will also request the Union government not to start airline and railway services till April 30, he added.
PM Narendra Modi indicated to legislature party leaders that the lockdown may have to stay in place beyond April 14 given the state of the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
Modi told the floor leaders of political parties in Parliament that several state governments, district administrations and experts have asked for an extension of the lockdown, likening the situation to a national and social emergency. The three-week lockdown is scheduled to end on April 14.
