Odisha becomes first state to extend lockdown till April 30

From:B.Maharana

Bhubaneswar, April 09 :

As COVID-19 cases continue to increase, Odisha becomes the first state in the country to extend the lockdown period till April 30 to combat the outbreak..

The decision was taken by state cabinet  meeting  Thursday. The Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik  who held the Cabinet meeting via video conferencing announced the extension of the lockdown period in the state for another 15 days  from April 15 in a video message.

Patnaik said the cabinet also decided to recommend the Union Government to further extend the lockdown period till April 30.

In order to prevent the spread  of the Covid-19 virus , a  nationwide 21-day lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which  is scheduled  to end on  April 14 .

The cabinet also  decided to keep the educational institutions closed till June 17, Patnaik said.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has also requested Centre not to stop thet train and air services till April 30 in view of the situation arising out of the covid-19.

Chief Minister said that Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, MGNREGS related activities will be facilitated following social distancing norms and as earlier, free movement of goods transport will be allowed in Odisha.

He assured  that the essential services will remain unhindered during the lockdown period. There will not be any problem in transport of good, he added.

He thanked the 4.50 crore people of Odisha for all the support and cooperation extending in this serious crisis situation.

He also said  ,a record of one lakh rapid testing  is  being planned as a preventive measure in potential hotspots at the earliest possible time.

So far, Odisha has reported 42 positive COVID-19 cases. Two people have been cured/discharged while one death has been reported.