Divided by ideas: States mull longer lockdown before PM’s meeting

The nationwide lockdown announced as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus till May 3 is likely to be extended with several states already hinting at a two-week extension.

A day after the Delhi government said that the lockdown restrictions would have to be extended at least till May 16, five more states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Pubjab, and Odisha are mulling over the decision.

While these states are considering the idea of extension of lockdown at least in COVID-19 hotspots, six other states — Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka — said they’ll be following the directives of the Centre.

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But not all states are in unison with the idea. Assam, Bihar, and Kerala have decided to take a call on the extension only after consulting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video-conference meeting scheduled for Monday (April 27).

Even as Telangana became the first state to extend the lockdown till May 7, it said that the final decision would be taken two days before the curfew ends.

Here’s where the states and Union Territories stand on the lockdown extension past May 3, a day before the chief ministers hold a meeting with the prime minister.

Delhi

According to a PTI report, the Delhi government will be extending the lockdown till May 16 in a bid to flatten the epidemic curve.

Dr S. K. Sarin, chairman of Delhi government’s committee on combating COVID-19 said, “India is still on the ascending limb of the epidemic curve and so, to ease the restrictions will mean the cases will multiply uncontrollably. And, Delhi has a large number of containment zones, so it will be wise to extend it. The lockdown will have to be extended till May 16 as that is when the epidemic curve is likely to start declining, which happens after the flattening of the curve.”

The national capital, to date, has reported 2,625 infections and 54 deaths.

Maharashtra

Concurring with the same, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope told Mint that the decision on extension of lockdown in Mumbai and Pune will be taken after discussing all aspects.

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“The main objective of implementing the lockdown was to stop the spread of COVID-19 pandemic and if the spread is not contained, the government will extend the lockdown. If required, we will extend the lockdown for 15 more days after 3 May only for the containment zones, if not for the entire Mumbai and Pune,” he said.

The state has reported the highest number of confirmed cases 6,817, of which 4,447 are from Mumbai while 961 come from Pune.

Rajasthan

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said migrant workers stranded in various states will be able to move out of or back to Rajasthan in a phased manner with mutual consent of the states.

He asked officials to ensure proper arrangements so that migrants arrive at their respective places safely in the next few days following measures such as social distancing and other health protocols.

The state has reported about 35 deaths, with three fresh casualties and 49 new cases to take the total number to 2,083.

Madhya Pradesh

A senior official on condition of anonymity told Hindustan Times that there are no signs of improvement in the situation in hotspots and lifting the lockdown on May 3 would be difficult.

“There are no signs of improvement in the situation in the state particularly in the hotspot districts. Hence there is no likelihood of any immediate relaxation from lockdown restrictions in these areas after May 3. Rather, there will be stricter compliance of restrictions to control the situation,” he said.

Punjab

Punjab has witnessed a spike in the epidemic curve three times in the past 40 days due to which lifting the lockdown on May 3 is next to impossible, said Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

Odisha

State’s Health Minister Naba Kishore Das said any decision should be taken after assessing the situation on May 1.

He told The Times of India that Odisha is planning to release the restrictions in a phased manner and maintain districts with no cases also under vulnerable regions.

Uttar Pradesh

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has banned public gatherings in the state till June 30 considering the increase in number of cases and with an aim to flatten the curve.

As for other states they either want lockdown restrictions to be limited to only containment zones after May 3 or to be lifted for the migrants to reach their natives.

Related news: Lockdown likely to extend in Mumbai, Pune till May 15