Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced extension of the nationwide lockdown till May 3.
The prime minister has also said that some restrictions will be eased from April 20, in areas where the situation is improving. Catch the latest updates here:
Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) to CNBC-TV18:
We are disappointed that a calibrated approach on opening of the economy was not announced. Even Spain has opened its economy in a calibrated manner. MSMEs will not be able to start even if there is some relaxation. How can workers be paid when there is no money? We expected the prime minister to come out with some economic measures.
During his address, PM Modi said:
While making new guidelines, we have kept in mind the interests of the poor and daily wage workers. Harvesting of Rabi crops is also underway. The Centre and state governments are working together to ensure that farmers face minimal problems.
Ashish Chauhan, MD and CEO, BSE has told CNBC-TV18 that there will be no changes in the way exchanges function in the second leg of the lockdown.
Why May 3?
News agency ANI has quoted government sources as saying that May 3 was chosen instead of April 30, as many states have done, because May 1 is a public holiday, May 2 is a Saturday and May 3 is a Sunday.
PM Modi:
Coronavirus testing is being done in over 220 labs. According to global experience, 1,500-1,600 beds are required when cases reach 10,000. We already have over 1 lakh beds in India and over 600 hospitals for treating COVID-19 patients. We are expanding these facilities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
I urge people to respect corona warriors — doctors, nurses, sweepers and police personnel. Please be kind to people who work with you in your business and industry. Do not terminate your employees.
PM Narendra Modi’s address to the nation has concluded.
PM Modi:
Stay where you are, stay safe. Follow all guidelines till May 3.
PM Modi:
I urge all to show empathy and not sack employees during these times. Respect and honour our police personnel and health officials.
PM Modi:
Make sure thatwe take special care of senior citizens in our households. We must follow lockdown and social distancing guidelines. Wear masks.
PM Modi:
We have arranged 1 lakh beds to tackle the novel coronavirus. These facilities are being upgraded. We might have limited resources, but I urge our young scientists to come forward and develop a vaccine.
PM Modi:
There is adequate ration and stock of essential commodities and medicines in the country.
PM Modi:
The government will put out detailed guidelines.
PM Modi:
We will be implementing lockdown even more strictly till April 20. After that, some restrictions will be eased in areas where there is an improvement in the sitaution.
PM Modi:
We must keep a close watch on places where new hotspots may emerge.
JUST IN | PM Narendra Modi:
It has been decided to extend the nationwide lockdown in India till May 3.
PM Modi:
The way coronavirus is spreading, it has cautioned health experts and governments even more. How do we emerge victorious? How do we lessen the damage? We have discussed this with the states. All, even citizens, have suggested that the lockdown be extended.
PM Modi:
We cannot imagine what the situation would have been had we not taken measures early. It has become clear that the path we have chosen is the most effective. Lockdown and social distancing have benefitted the country. It is expensive from the economic point of view.
PM Modi:
It is unfair to compare with any other country. However, we cannot deny some realities. If is true that India is in much better position than some of the developed countries.
PM Modi:
India had started screening at airports and 14-day isolation for those coming from abroad, well in advance. We decided to implement this 21-day lockdown when we had only about 500 cases.
PM Modi:
You have been a witness to how India has fought coronavirus as compared to other countries.
PM Narendra Modi:
This is also a time of festivities across various parts of the country. New Year is beginning in many states. The way people are following the guidelines and the way they are celebrating festivals inside their houses is inspiring.
PM Narendra Modi:
I am aware that everyone has had to sacrifice a lot. But all have discharged their duties like a soldier. I thank you all. Our Constitution says “We the people of India”. This is what it is.
PM Narendra Modi:
Our fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic is progressing with strength.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation has begun. It is expected to be on issues related to the novel coronavirus pandemic and perhaps, a formal announcement on extension of the lockdown.
Update:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation shortly.
Stay tuned for the LIVEupdates.
In the meanwhile, check out Moneycontrol’s daily home isolation planner for April 14.
The daily planner will help you with the quarantine period. We have added some home workouts, activities, good reads, music to relax or get you pumped up, guide to online events, activities and more.
States which have extended the lockdown
So far, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal have extended the lockdown until April 30. Punjab has extended it till May 1.
Andhra Pradesh CM urges PM Modi to strike right balance to protect economy
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy yesterday wrote to PM Modi, stressing on the need to strike a "right balance" between steps to contain COVID-19 and remedies to protect economy from unprecedented consequences.
The chief minister suggested that areas should be classified into red, orange and green zones based on the spread of the pandemic and restrictions imposed accordingly. (Input from PTI)
According to a tweet by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), PM Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation on "issues related to COVID-19 and existing lockdown.”
Read | Industries in Maharashtra's 'green zone' may get permission to start manufacturing soon: Report
Soon, industries in Maharashtra's 'green zones' may get the green light to start manufacturing subject to them following certain precautionary measures, according to a news report.
State Industries Minister Subhash Desai, at a high-level meeting today, reportedly gave the directions to classify areas into 'green', 'orange' or 'red' zones, the report suggests. This process of classification into zones based on the number of COVID-19 positive cases in an area is likely to be completed soon.
Maharashtra has the highest number of confirmed cases in the country.
Graded lifting of lockdown?
News18 has earlier reported that there were indications that the Prime Minister's Office was considering a graded lifting of lockdown measures, and marking the country into red, orange and green zones, depending on the severity of the coronavirus spread in those areas.
Coronavirus in India LIVE Updates |
Total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in India have surged past 10,000. The death toll from the pandemic in the country stands at 339, according to the Union Health Ministry.
PM Modi's address: Total withdrawal, partial lifting or extension of lockdown? Here are a few possibilities:
Roads and houses
Activity in the housing and construction sectors need to be allowed if the labourers stay at the sites with all facilities and safeguards.
These activities are essential to improve the economic situation and provide liquidity in the hands of the people.
Bring back the gig workers
From cobblers to plumbers, to AC repair mechanics to electricians, from the neighbourhood presswalla (dhobi) to the car and cycle repair mechanics to the neighbourhood vegetable and fruit sellers, have found themselves out of job for weeks at a stretch.
(Disclaimer: This is a scenario mapping, not a definitive information matrix)
PM Modi's address: Total withdrawal, partial lifting or extension of lockdown? Here are a few possibilities:
Some work is better than no work
The DPIIT suggests that industrial units could begin work with only 20-25 percent capacity in a single shift.
Small is where the action is
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the lifeblood of India’s manufacturing sector, with export commitments could be first off the block with restricted operations.
(Disclaimer: This is a scenario mapping, not a definitive information matrix)
Expectations of a massive fiscal stimulus package: Report
India is planning to reopen the economy slowly, while maintaining strict restrictions in novel coronavirus hotspots. The Centre is aiming to restart industrial activity following completion of the 21-day lockdown, Mint has reported.
According to the report, there are expectations of a massive fiscal stimulus package announcement from PM Modi’s address, meant to revive economic activity and provide jobs and income to those affected.
Follow our other LIVE blog for the latest updates on the novel coronavirus pandemic and its impact
Coronavirus in India LIVE Updates | PM Modi to address nation at 10 am
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation at 10.00 am today. While it is unclear what the address will be about, it is widely believed that it would be a formally announcement from the Centre on extension of the nationwide lockdown.
Over the last week, many states have urged the Centre to extend the lockdown meant to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infections. Today is the final day of the current 21-day nationwide lockdown.
Multiple states, such as Maharashtra and Odisha, have already announced extension of restrictions by at least two weeks. Stay tuned to this LIVE blog for the latest updates.
