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

Odisha has became the first state to extend the lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak till April 30, 2020. The lockdown, mandated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was initially for 21 days and was to end on April 14. Schools in the state will remain closed till June 17.

"I know it involves a lot of sacrifice, hardship and uncertainty but this is the only way to face this crisis," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said in a statement. "At this crucial juncture one has to decide between protecting lives of people and economic activity."

The state has reported 42 cases of COVID-19 and two deaths so far.

The state government has also appeal to the Centre to extend the nationwide lockdown till the end of the month, and continue the suspension on airline and railway operations.

Patnaik said the state would conduct one lakh rapid tests at the "earliest possible time" to help contain the disease. "We are leaving no stone unturned in scaling up COVID-19 testing and treatment facilities," he said.

Patnaik assured that there would be no problems in transportation of essential goods.

(Inputs and image from theindianexpress.com)