PM Modi hints at another extension of lockdown in Covid-19 hotspots after 3rd May

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday indicated another extention of lockdown in coronavirus hotspots after 3rd May during his video conference meeting with chief ministers. The Prime Minister also praised the efforts made by states across India to curb the spread of Covid-19 while asking them to put together a lockdown exit plan.

In a review meeting with chief ministers on Monday, PM Modi stated that collective effort of states have helped manage the current crisis and further added that thousands of lives have been saved because of measures taken by state governments.

“We saw a two-stage lockdown, with strict measures in the first phase and then some relaxations in the second. Good work has been done in the states,” PM Modi told the CMs.

PM Modi said: "Efforts of states should now be directed towards converting the red zones into orange and thereafter to green zones. We have to be brave and bring in reforms that touch the lives of common citizens."

During his meeting on Monday, the Prime Minister told the chief ministers that a plan needs to be outlined in order to exit the lockdown. PM Modi asked the states to formulate state-wise exit plan taking into consideration their red, green and orange zones.

The Prime Minister also warned that the danger is far from over and constant vigilance is needed. "Impact of Covid-19 will remain visible in coming months, masks and face covers will be part of life," PM Modi told.

PM Modi stated that importance has to be given to the economy as well. He also stressed on the importance of usage of technology as much as possible and also to use time to embrace reform measures.

The chief ministers met the PM to talk about the situation emerging because of coronavirus in the country, which is placed under lockdown since 25th March.

This was PM Modi’s fourth interaction with chief ministers since 22nd March when he first spoke to them on the Covid-19 situation.

Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), E K Palaniswami (Tamil Nadu), Conard Sangma (Meghalaya) Trivendram Singh Rawat (Uttarakhand) and Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh). Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and top officials from the PMO and Union Health Ministry were also present at the virtual meet.

Government sources on Sunday hinted that apart from talking about the way forward in dealing with the pandemic, the PM and chief ministers could also focus on a graded exit from the lockdown

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