PIB fact checks media report claiming PM Narendra Modi didn’t consult COVID-19 taskforce before extending lockdown

NEW DELHI: The Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Wednesday debunked a media report claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not consult the 21-member scientific taskforce on COVID-19 before extending the lockdown till May 3.

The government agency took to Twitter to reject the media report.

In its tweet, the PIB said, “A magazine has claimed that PM Modi did not consult the 21-member scientific #COVID taskforce before extending the lockdown. Reality : All decisions were taken after consulting the taskforce.’’

The agency also tagged a clarification from ICMR which read “There is a media report which makes false claims about the COVID-19 Task Force. The fact is that the task force met 14 times in the last month and all decisions taken involve the members of the task force. Please avoid such conjectures. #COVID2019india #IndiaFightsCorona.’’

There is a media report which makes false claims about the COVID-19 Task Force. The fact is that the task force met 14 times in the last month and all decisions taken involve the members of the task force. Please avoid such conjectures. #COVID2019india #IndiaFightsCorona — ICMR (@ICMRDELHI) April 15, 2020

The nation-wide lockdown has been extended till May 3 to contain the spread of the pandemic that has killed over 370 people and infected over 11,000 in the country. 

The announcement for extending the lockdown was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation - the fifth since the COVID-19 crisis began. 

In his address, he highlighted the progress India made in checking the spread of the infection and asked the people of the country to follow seven rules in this time of crisis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also thanked the nation for its collective fight against coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and the hardships that the people, especially the migrant workers, faced during this period as he announced his decision to extend the nationwide lockdown till May 3.

''People have gone through several hardships to save India. I know how many difficulties you faced. I respectfully bow to the people of India for their sacrifice,'' PM Narendra Modi said. ''India is fighting coronavirus pandemic due to the unity and penance of the entire country. India has been able to contain coronavirus to a large extent. I thank you all for your patience,'' the PM said adding, ''India will remain in lockdown till May 3.''

The PM said that extending the lockdown is very important to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

PM Modi stressed that the coronavirus pandemic should be curbed at every level. ''Even if one person dies due to coronavirus, our tension should increase. That is why hotspots must be identified with extended vigilance and harsh steps to be taken to curb the spread of coronavirus. If new hotspots arrive, our efforts will face problems,'' he added. 

PM Modi said that till April 20, harsh steps will be taken to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the country. ''Hotspots will be carefully identified.'' He said that rules will be eased for areas where the lockdown is implemented properly and fewer new cases are registered till April 20.