Lockdown very likely to be extended after April 14

New Delhi, April 8: The ongoing nationwide lockdown may not be lifted after April 14. A decision in this regard will be taken after Prime Minister Narendra Modi' video conference meeting with Chief Ministers on Saturday day (April 11). The PM hinted this during all party meet today to discuss strategy to contain spread of coronavirus in the country. He said that several state governments, district administrations and experts have asked for extension of the phase of Lockdown. The country has been forced to take tough decisions, and must continue to remain vigilant, the PM said. Similarly, suggestions were given to the PM by various leaders on extending the Lockdown and on a phased exit after Lockdown ends. In a statement on the completion of two weeks of the lockdown on Tuesday, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said health concerns should take precedence over that of economic stabilisation. The third week of the lockdown, which starts Wednesday, would be crucial for decision making on the exit and the data regarding the extent and rate of spread of virus infection will have a bearing on the exit strategy, the Vice President added. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekharpur Rao on Monday appealed the Prime Minister to extend the lockdown period by another one or two weeks. He said it was the only way to contain spread of coronavirus. Similarly, additional chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh government Avnish Awasthi has said that even if a single case of coronavirus is found in the state after April 14, then the purpose of lockdown will not be achieved and hence the lockdown period will be extended. Besides, many other states have also urged for extension of the 21-day nationwide lockdown. Taking all these to account, it is very likely that the Centre may extend the lockdown after April 14.