Odisha extends COVID-19 lockdown till April 30, first state to do so

CM Naveen Patnaik has asked the Centre not to start train and air services till April 30. "Odisha cabinet decides for extension and also recommends to Union government to do the same," the state government said in a statement.

NEW DELHI: Amid the surging number of coronavirus cases across the state, Odisha on Thursday decided to extend the lockdown till April 30. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik issued an order extending the lockdown till April 30. With this, Odisha has become the first state in the country to extend the lockdown.  

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has asked the Centre not to start train and air services till April 30. "Odisha cabinet decides for extension and also recommends to Union government to do the same," the state government said in a statement.

"Coronavirus is the biggest threat that the human race has faced in more than a century. Life will not be the same ever. All of us must understand this and face it boldly together. With our sacrifice and with the blessing of Lord Jagannath, this too shall pass," CM Naveen Patnaik said in the statement.

"Educational institutions will remain closed till June 17. The food security of people is of the utmost importance. Agriculture, animal husbandry, MGNREGS related activities to be facilitated following social distancing norms," the state government said. "As earlier, free movement of goods transport will be allowed," it said.

As of Thursday, Odisha has reported 42 coronavirus cases as well as a single fatality.

Meanwhile, India's total number of COVID-19 infections jumped to 5,734 which includes 5095 active cases of infections, 473 cured and 166 deaths, as per Heath Ministry data at 8 am on April 9.

The number of coronavirus COVID-19 infections saw a sharp rise on Wednesday (April 8, 2020) with 5,734 active cases, 473 recovered and 166 deaths, as per the data by Union Health Ministry at 8 am on Thursday (April 9).

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, at his meeting with other parliamentarians, hinted that the ongoing 21-day lockdown may be extended further and that a complete exit is not possible. PM Modi pointed out that the country was facing a "social emergency-like situation" due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also cited serious economic challenges in containing the spread of the deadly virus, according to an official statement. 

PM Modi asserted that his government's priority is to "save each and every life", adding "The present situation is an epoch changing event in mankind's history and we must evolve to counter its impact." The Prime Minister is scheduled to interact with all chief ministers on April 11.