Amid reports of the Centre mulling an extension of the nationwide lockdown beyond April 14 on request of states, the government has now said that no such decision has been taken yet.
Speaking at the government’s daily presser, Joint Health Secretary Lav Aggarwal said, “No decision on extending lockdown as yet, please don’t speculate.”
Aggarwal also dismissed several social media/print media reports that had suggested the lockdown will continue in a phased manner.
When asked about how the government will ensure Covid-19 clusters don’t spread after the lockdown is over, Lav Aggarwal said, “Government has been adopting a strategy for cluster containment & for outbreaks that are amenable to management.”
“This strategy is producing positive results, especially in Agra, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Pathanamthitta, Bhilwara and East Delhi,” he added.
The statement comes hours after government sources indicated that the Union government was mulling over the extension of the lockdown after requests were made by several states and centre.
A lot of state governments, as well as experts, are requesting the Central government to extend the nationwide coronavirus lockdown beyond April 14, and the Centre is thinking in this direction, government sources said on Tuesday.
However, sources did not indicate if a final decision has been taken on the matter.
India is currently under the 21-day lockdown since March 25, with only essential services exempted, to contain the fast-spreading virus, which has claimed more than 75,800 lives and afflicted over 13.5 lakh people across 183 countries.
“A lot of state governments, as well as experts, are requesting Central Government to extend the lockdown. The Central government is thinking in this direction,” a source said.
