India extends coronavirus lockdown till May 31

India has extended its lockdown for another two weeks as it attempts to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The government's disaster response authority said that new guidelines would be issued, "keeping in view the need to open up economic activities".

The country went into lockdown on 24 March and schools, public transport and most businesses have been shut since.

India has recorded 2,896 deaths. It has more than 90,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and 53,946 active infections.

It is the fourth time the federal government has extended the world's largest lockdown, covering 1.3 billion people. India media dubbed the extension "lockdown 4.0".

Most of the restrictions remain in place - flights, trains, educational institutions, metro services, restaurants, bars, cinemas and shopping complexes will remain closed.

Restaurants will now be allowed to operate takeaway services, while sports complexes and stadiums can host events without spectators, the home affairs ministry said.



Dhaka/Mukul