The Indian state of Odisha has extended the lockdown in the state till April 30 and shut educational institutions till June 17 to curb the spread of coronavirus.
It is the first state to extend lockdown as the number of patients infected by Covid-19 continues to rise across the country.
“At this crucial juncture one has to decide between protecting lives of people and economic activity. The state cabinet, which met today, decided that saving the lives of our people is the topmost priority at this juncture,” The Economic Times quoted Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as saying at a briefing on Thursday.
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
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," reported NDTV citing the state government’s statement.
For Odiyas stranded in other states owing to the nationwide lockdown, India Today quoted CM Naveen Patnaik as saying: "As regards people from Orissa who are stranded in various parts of the country, our intervention for their well-being will be through the concerned state governments. Odisha will take care of all the people who are stranded in Odisha."
"Educational institutions will remain closed till June 17. Food security of people is of outmost importance. Agriculture, animal husbandry, MGNREGS [The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act] related activities to be facilitated following social distancing norms," the state government said, reports NDTV. "As earlier, free movement of goods transport will be allowed," it said.
At least 42 people have been infected and two people died by coronavirus in Odisha.
On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested that the lockdown would be extended and restrictions won’t be lifted in one go after April 14, reports NDTV.
India has reported 169 deaths and 5,865 Covid-19 infections till date.
