LOCKDOWN EXTENDED IN INDIA! PM MODI ADDRESSES NATION WITH STRICT GUIDELINES 

As the number of novel coronavirus cases surged past 10,000-mark on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the lockdown till May 3. He said any decision on easing restrictions in different parts of the country will be taken after April 20. 

During his address, PM Modi said, "After taking into account all suggestions, we have decided to extend the lockdown till May 3. Till April 20, each district, each state will be monitored closely to see whether the lockdown is being followed. Then we can decide on relaxing the restrictions," said the Prime Minister.

Some essential activities would be allowed in areas which shows improvement after April 20, he added. The 19-day extension of the lockdown till May 3 is an attempt to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. 

Meanwhile, detailed guidelines on extension of the coronavirus lockdown will be issued on Wednesday, the PM Modi added. The Prime Minister also lauded the efforts of Indians in the fight against novel coronavirus. “Covid-19 is spreading fast but India’s fight against coronavirus is going strong. It is because of your efforts that we are able to put up a fight."

This nation-wide lockdown first came into force from March 25 as a measure in the fight against Covid-19 which was scheduled to end today.  Watch the video below: 

Even before #COVID19 cases touched 100, India made it compulsory for foreign returnees to remain in 14 days isolation. We imposed 21-day lockdown when we had 550 cases: PM Narendra Modi https://t.co/qi8MgG8qPQ

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2020

#WATCH Live via ANI Facebook: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation https://t.co/3mo97GWqBv (Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/Et50POeJpk

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2020

#WATCH PM Narendra Modi addresses the nation. (courtesy:DD) https://t.co/QXpcpKLh7X

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2020