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Odisha: The first state to extend its tenure of lockdown till April 30

The government had imposed a 21-days nationwide lockdown till April 14 as a preventive move to contain the spread of the coronavirus and as the lockdown is approaching towards the end speculations of its extension are all around. Meanwhile, amid the speculation, the Odisha government has decided to extend the lockdown in the state till April 30 and thus it has become the first state in the country to do so. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has given the information about this decision in a video statement on Thursday.

Odisha Lockdown Extended till April 30

According to the information, the state cabinet meeting was held on Thursday through video conferencing under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. In this cabinet meeting, it has been decided to extend the lockdown period in the state till April 30. Apart from this, the cabinet has also decided to keep all the teaching centers in the state closed till June 17.

In a statement, the Odisha government has said, “In the last century, mankind has not seen a big crisis like coronavirus. After this, life will never be the same. We all should understand this and fight it courageously. This time will also pass with our sacrifice and the blessings of Lord Jagannath”.

CM Naveen Patnaik has also announced, “At this crucial juncture, one has to decide between protecting the lives of people and economic activity. We will recommend to Government of India to extend the national lockdown up to April 30. In addition to this, we will also request the Union Government not to start airline and railway services till April 30.”

For Odisha’s natives stranded in other states owing to the nationwide lockdown, CM Naveen Patnaik said, “As regards people from Orissa who are stranded in various parts of the country, our intervention for their well-being will be through the concerned state governments. Odisha will take care of all the people who are stranded in Odisha.”

He further added that the Odisha government will also take special measures for various sectors. Activities related to agriculture, animal husbandry, and MGNREGS will be facilitated during the lockdown period following social distancing norms.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that the 21-day lockdown announced in the country is likely to go ahead due to the increasing coronavirus crisis or it will end in a phased manner. He said these things in an all-party meeting through video conferencing yesterday. He further added that he will talk to the Chief Ministers of the states and take a final decision on this issue. However, with the rising number of cases per day, it is unlikely that the lockdown will end soon.

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