India extends lockdown till May 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended the lockdown till May 3 and said any decision on easing restrictions in parts of the country would be taken after April 20, to keep in mind the difficulties of the poor.

"After taking into account all suggestions, we have decided to extend the lockdown till May 3," PM Modi said in his 22-minute address.

"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 showed improvement after April 20, he added.



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