Lockdown in India extended a national lockout to its 1.3 billion population on Tuesday, until May 3. The number of coronavirus cases exceeded 10,000 following a three-week shutdown.
In a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the challenge was to stop the virus from spreading to new parts of the country. Nevertheless, it raised hopes that some restrictions in the less-affected areas could prevent the spread of the virus. The schedule is about next week to allow critical activity.
“Lockdown in India is until May 3. I ask all Indians that we stop the spread of coronavirus to other places, “he said.
Modi spoke as recent government data revealed that people who have been infected with coronavirus were 10,363. The death was up to 339 deaths.
Although the figures are small relative to hard-hit western nations like the U.S., Italy, and Spain, health experts believe that this is due to India’s poor testing rates. Apart from that, the potential infection rates could be much higher.
“The country has benefited immensely from social remoteness and the lockdown. If we look at it only from an economic point of view, it looks costly. We’ve had to pay a tremendous expense, but this has to be done before the lives of the Indians has no comparison. “
Lockdown Also Goes for Pakistan
Modi provided no immediate relief to the millions of people who lost their jobs as the 2.9 trillion economy shutdown. On the other hand, he felt their suffering. Poor families unable to afford food and many migrant workers unable to enter their villages.
The neighboring Pakistan is going to take a decision on its lockdown on Wednesday due to end.
Since of the coronavirus outbreak, the World Bank has said economic growth in India and other South Asian countries is going to be the slowest this year for four decades.
