India is looking straight at Lockdown 3.0, as many would call it, after witnessing a spike in coronavirus positive cases and deaths.
In a meeting with state chief ministers yesterday, prime minister Narendra Modi asked states to try to convert the Covid-19 challenge into opportunities through administrative reforms, and form their own policies on relaxing the lockdown based on ground reality.
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In a video meet with state leaders, PM Modi indicated that the coronavirus infection would remain for a longer time, beyond May 3, and people need to continue the use of masks and sanitisers for a longer period.
This was PM Modi's fourth interaction with state leaders since March 22 when he first spoke to them on the coronavirus situation and steps taken.
At least five out of nine chief ministers who spoke during the video conference strongly pitched for the extension of the ongoing lockdown beyond May 3. Some advocated cautious relaxation.
All chief ministers agreed that lockdown exit has to be gradual and that too after adopting all precautions or "shock absorbers".
There is a possibility of regulated train and flight services after mid-May between certain designated places.
The final decision on coronavirus lockdown will be taken during the weekend, officials said after the meeting.
India currently has more than 29,000 cases (including 22,010 active cases, 7027 cured/discharged/migrated and 937 deaths), adding 1,543 cases in the last 24 hours.