New Delhi: The lockdown that was slated to end on April 14 has now been extended to May 3.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation for the fourth time this morning, stated that after consulting with the states, the centre has decided that the lockdown extension is the only way out to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 count has crossed the 10,000-mark in India, which includes more than 300 deaths, Union Health Ministry said this morning. 

The Prime Minister said that the lockdown restrictions will be intensified at the Kasaba, district and the state-levels and all these blocks will be monitored and assessed closely till April 20 for the implementation of the lockdown.

“The states have to ensure that the hotspots in their jurisdictions do not increase. The lockdown rules will be eased for areas where the lockdown is implemented properly and fewer new cases are registered till April 20. The detailed plan will be released tomorrow,” he said.

Earlier, paying tribute to Baba Saheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, the PM said that “We the people of India’, written in the Constitution is being lived in true sense now during the times of Corona crisis.

“Showing unity is the biggest tribute one can pay to Baba Saheb,” said Modi adding that Baba Saheb’s life is an inspiration to fight this battle.

The PM sought co-operation from the citizens in seven tasks. Calling it ‘Sapthapadi’, the PM urged the citizens of India to-

*Care for elderly in their homes

*Maintain social distancing

*Use Homemade masks / adopt Immunity boosting recommendations made by Ayush Department

*Download Arogya Setu mobile app and motivate others to download

*Help the poor families living in the vicinity

*Not sack workers working in one’s establishment

*Respect Corona Warriors (doctors, nurses, cleaning staff, police)