Odisha To Extend Lockdown Till April 30, Urges Centre To Do The Same

The Odisha Government has finally announced to extend the ongoing lockdown over the COVID-19 pandemic till April 30 and urged Center to do so as the number of Coronavirus cases in India crossed the 5000 mark.

Keeping in mind the rising number or Coronavirus cases in India, Odisha has become the first state to extend the lockdown. Chief Minister of the state Naveen Patnaik has urged 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,” the state government said in a statement.

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

“Coronavirus is the biggest threat that the human race has faced in more than a century. Life will not be the same ever. All of us must understand this and face it boldly together. With our sacrifice and with the blessing of Lord Jagannath, this too shall pass,” Patnaik said in the statement.

“Educational institutions will remain closed till June 17. Food security of people is of outmost importance. Agriculture, animal husbandry, MGNREGS related activities to be facilitated following social distancing norms,” the state government said.

As of now, over 40 people have been infected by COVID-19 in Odisha and two of them have died. Notably, Odisha was among the states that have made face masks mandatory for people venturing out of their homes.

Besides Odisha, there are many states have requested an extension of the lockdown, given the rapid spread of virus cases and warnings that the infection could peak in the days to come.