Coronavirus: Delhi, UP, Maharashtra ask Modi to extend nationwide lockdown
What's the story
On Saturday, the Chief Ministers of Delhi, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend the nationwide lockdown, which is scheduled to be lifted on April 14. Modi chaired a video conference with CMs of all states and Union Territories over the coronavirus outbreak. Punjab, which has already extended the lockdown, also reiterated its request for lockdown extension.
Details
PM Modi took feedback from states during meeting
PM Modi on Saturday chaired a meeting with the CMs where he took feedback on whether the 21-day nationwide lockdown should be extended. A decision on the matter is expected soon. During the meeting, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal called to extend the lockdown till April 30. Uttar Pradesh also pushed for the same. As reported earlier, Maharashtra also suggested extending the lockdown.
Information
Punjab and Odisha have already extended lockdown
Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh also called for the extension of the lockdown. Earlier, Punjab had extended the lockdown in the state till May 1. Odisha, the first state to extend the lockdown till April 30, had earlier urged the Centre to do the same.
Lockdown
Lockdown was scheduled to last from March 25-April 14
On March 24, PM Modi had called for a 21-day nationwide lockdown to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The lockdown came into effect on March 25 and is scheduled to last until April 14. While experts say the lockdown has helped India slow down the outbreak, the number of cases of COVID-19 in India continue to rise.
Information
Earlier this week, Modi indicated lockdown will be extended
Notably, PM Modi had on Wednesday said that ending the lockdown on April 14 will not be possible. The statement was made during an all-party meeting with political leaders. Hence, it is expected that the nationwide lockdown will be extended.
Outbreak
How bad is the outbreak in India?
According to the Union Health Ministry, by Saturday morning, India reported a total of 7,447 COVID-19 cases. These include 239 deaths and 6,565 active cases along with 642 patients who have been cured/discharged while one who migrated out of India. However, till Friday, a NewsBytes tally of the outbreak reported over 7,500 COVID-19 cases and 254 deaths.
COVID-19
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 was first reported in China's Wuhan city late last year. The disease is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The virus attacks a host's respiratory system triggering symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it may cause pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or death. COVID-19 has spread to over 170 countries, killing 1 lakh people and sickening 17 lakh.