As speculation mounts about a possible extension of the nationwide lockdown, Odisha has become the first state to do so. In a video statement, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik declared that the state will now be under lockdown till April 30.
“During ongoing lockdown period amid COVID-19 crisis, your discipline and sacrifice has provided us the strength to fight COVID-19,” said Patnaik.
“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,” said an official statement issued by the state government.
Patnaik also assured the people of Odisha that all essential services will be operational during the lockdown and that the state is doing all it can to contain the spread of the virus. “As has been stated earlier, there will not be any problem in the transport of goods. We are leaving no stone unturned in scaling up COVID-19 testing and treatment facilities. We propose to conduct one lakh rapid tests in the state at the earliest possible time,” he said.
“Coronavirus is the biggest threat that the human race has faced in more than a century. Life will not be the same ever. All of us must understand this and face it boldly together. With our sacrifice and with the blessings of the Lord Jagannath this too shall pass,” said Patnaik concluding his video message.
As per official reports, Odisha currently has 42 confirmed cases of coronavirus, of which two have recovered.