Government Likely To Extend Lockdown Till June 15

The COVID-19 lockdown is likely to extend well into June for some cities, as per reports. CNN-News 18 reported on Wednesday that the countrywide lockdown may extend till June 15. However, the new lockdown will be restricted to 11 cities/ municipal areas. These include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Thane, Indore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Surat, and Kolkata.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, the country has been under lockdown since March. The fourth phase of the extended lockdown is currently in progress and will end on May 31.

“In lockdown 5, states will be given freedom to take a call on religious places. No congregation or festival will however be allowed,” sources added.

In addition, the government is also contemplating reopening gyms in selected states and cities. However, schools, colleges, educational institutions, malls, and cinema halls will not be opening after the lockdown ends.

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray had stated earlier this month, “The fight against COVID19 is going to be tougher now but there is no need to panic as we are prepared with extra health facilities.” This was in response to positive cases in Maharashtra crossing 47,000.

Moreover, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has said that temples will reopen from June 1.

In India, the total number of coronavirus cases has reached to 153,230. The death toll due to the outbreak has risen to 4,365. However, 64,729 cases have recovered from the infection.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global crisis. Currently, the number of coronavirus cases in the world has risen to over 5 million. There have been over three hundred thousand deaths globally.