Coronavirus lockdown: Odisha became the first state to extend the lockdown over COVID-19

The Odisha government today announced it has extended the lockdown over the COVID-19 pandemic till April 30, becoming the first state to do so as the number of patients infected by the novel coronavirus continues to rise across the country.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has asked the centre not to start train and air services till April 30. "Odisha cabinet decides for extension and also recommends to union government to do the same," the state government said in a statement.

"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 blessing of Lord Jagannath, this too shall pass," Mr Patnaik said in the statement.

"Educational institutions will remain closed till June 17. Food security of people is of outmost importance. Agriculture, animal husbandry, MGNREGS related activities to be facilitated following social distancing norms," the state government said. "As earlier, free movement of goods transport will be allowed," it said.

At least 42 people have been infected by the novel coronavirus in Odisha. Two have died.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday suggested that the lockdown to check the spread of coronavirus will be extended and restrictions will not be lifted in one go after April 14. Several hotspots have been singled out in cities across the country for greater effort on isolating them completely.

Odisha is among the states that have made face masks compulsory for people stepping out of their homes. The others are Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Nagaland.

In a video meeting with leaders of all parties, PM Modi reportedly said he would consult with chief ministers but by all accounts the lifting of the lockdown "is not possible". He will hold a meeting with chief ministers on Saturday.

Many states and experts have requested an extension of the lockdown, given the rapid spread of virus cases and warnings that the infection could peak in the coming weeks.

15,80,550Cases

11,39,004Active

3,46,922Recovered

94,624Deaths

Coronavirus has spread to 184 countries. The total confirmed cases worldwide are 15,80,550 and 94,624 have died; 11,39,004 are active cases and 3,46,922 have recovered as on April 10, 2020 at 1:38 am.

5,865 591Cases

5,218 504Active

478 67Recovered

169 20Deaths

In India, there are 5,865 confirmed cases including 169 deaths. The number of active cases is 5,218 and 478 have recovered as on April 9, 2020 at 5:00 pm.

DistrictCases

Mumbai496

Pune131

Mumbai Suburban65

Thane31

Sangli24

Ahmednagar20

Nagpur16

Aurangabad8

Latur8

Palghar7

Raigad6

Satara5

Yavatmal4

Buldhana4

Osmanabad4

Hingoli2

Ratnagiri2

Washim1

Sindhudurg1

Nashik1

Amravati1

Kolhapur1

Jalna1

Jalgaon1

Gondia1

Details Awaited*294

1135

946

117

72

DistrictCases

Chennai152

Coimbatore59

Dindigul44

Tirunelveli38

Erode32

Tiruchirappalli30

Ranipet28

Namakkal27

Tiruppur27

Madurai24

Theni22

Karur22

Chengalpattu19

Thoothukudi16

Villupuram16

Cuddalore13

Thiruvallur12

Thiruvarur12

Thanjavur11

Nagapattinam11

Salem11

Virudhunagar11

Tiruvannamalai9

Kanchipuram7

Vellore6

Kanniyakumari6

Sivaganga5

The Nilgiris4

Tirupattur4

Kallakurichi2

Ramanathapuram2

Ariyalur1

Details Awaited*55

738

709

21

8

DistrictCases

South170

Central99

North64

New Delhi55

Shahdara53

South West23

West18

South East17

East15

North East14

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"Life Won't Be Same Ever": Odisha First To Extend Lockdown Till April 30 - NDTV News