India will remain under lockdown until 3 May

From 20 April, based on extensive scrutiny, a conditional withdrawal of the lockdown will be permitted in areas where the spread has either been contained or prevented

India’s coronavirus lockdown has been extended until May 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an address to the nation.

Modi explained that the lockdown, as well as other social distancing measures, have benefited the country despite the economic costs incurred. India needs to curb the spread of the virus and take stricter measures to prevent new hot spots from emerging, the prime minister said,

The PM also said, from 20 April, based on extensive scrutiny, a conditional withdrawal of the lockdown will be permitted in areas where the spread has either been contained or prevented.

Acknowledging the need for a decentralised response given that the spread of the diseases has been varied across the country, Modi said detailed guidelines will be issued on Wednesday which will keep in mind the needs of the informal sector and farmers.

The timing for the extension of lockdown is a cause of worry for several state governments as this is a harvesting season for winter crops and mandis need to be open for the sale of crops.

Modi thanked Indians for abiding by the lockdown despite the hardships many of them endured.