COVID-19 India: Will The Lockdown Continue Beyond Apr 14?

Now the whole nation is under lockdown and the question next is will this end by April 14, 2020 or extend further?

There is a lot of discussion across the country on this aspect as the deadline for the 21-day lockdown is just a week ahead.

With declining economy on one side and the rapid spread of coronavirus on the other, the Center is grappling to make a decision between these two challenges.

With the Center giving no clarity on this point, the state governments of Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab have begun voicing their recommendations to extend the lockdown on account of the growing health concerns.

Looking at the rising number of cases with each passing day, there is a possibility that the lockdown might be extended with continued restrictions, especially social distancing.

Experts believe that the free public movement will contribute to the further rise of infection.

There are also discussions that state borders might remain closed while the transport services are expected to start operating.

As the sources say, the Center is collecting opinions from states and experts on the infection rate over signs of stabilization and resurgence.

“Between the considerations of the health of the people and stabilization of our economy being debated, the former shall take precedence over the later. In my view, while the concerns of the economy can wait for another day, that of health can’t. I appeal to people to abide by whatever decision is ultimately taken by the leadership and cooperate in the ongoing national effort…even if it means continuing with some degree of hardship still beyond April 14,” Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said in a statement.

Another official said the act of relaxing restrictions would be risky.

“Though a formal decision is yet to be taken, feedback so far suggests that relaxing restrictions would be highly risky,” the official reportedly said.

On the other side, there are also discussions around partial lockdown.

So far, the country has reported 5,530 COVID-19 positive cases so far and 160 deaths.

Stay tuned to Indianera for more updates on Coronavirus and other major news headlines of India!

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