Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has announced that the state will extend the lockdown till April 30; schools will remain closed till June 17. The state has reported 42 coronavirus cases so far. It became the first state to announce an extension.
Yesterday, PM Narendra Modi indicated to legislature party leaders that the lockdown may have to stay in place beyond April 14 given the state of the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
Modi told the floor leaders of political parties in Parliament that several state governments, district administrations and experts have asked for an extension of the lockdown, likening the situation to a national and social emergency. The three-week lockdown is scheduled to end on April 14.