As the initial lockdown comes to an end in India, Prime Minister Narender Modi, in his address to the nation, announced that the nationwide lockdown will be extended until 3rd May. Prime Minister Modi (1) explained that the lockdown, as well as other social distancing measures, have helped the country despite the economic costs incurred. The extended lockdown is aimed to contain the spread of coronavirus in the country.
COVID 19 cases continue to rise despite the lockdown.
The number of COVID 19 positive cases in India are still increasing exponentially despite the strict nationwide lockdown. The health ministry of India reported 10,363 cases of infections and 339 deaths in the country till now. The initial nationwide lockdown had affected the low-income families, and daily workers as the country witnessed an exodus of workers from one state to another. To fight the economic crisis due to lockdown, the government announced a $22.5 billion stimulus package to help poor households through food security and direct cash transfers. Several states in India had already extended the lockdown before Prime Minister Modi announced it today.
Indian economy to take a major hit due to lockdown.
Even before the country was hit with the coronavirus outbreak, India’s economy was already growing at the slowest pace in six years. The country’s economy is set to take a major hit from the lockdown as most of the working places remain closed. Prime Minister Modi, in his address to the nation, said that some parts in India might get relief from the lockdown 20th April onwards under some conditions. Places that are not hotspots or have reported fewer positive cases and numbers of new infections are nil, that place might ger relief, and some working place could open for business.
Globally, the number of positive COVID 19 cases is close to 2 million, and over 119,000 people have lost their lives because of this virus. The USA has reported the most number of cases in the entire world, with over 587,000 cases and over 23,000 deaths.
