Punjab govt extends lockdown till May 1

The Punjab Cabinet has extended the coronavirus lockdown in the state till May 1, news agency ANI has reported. "The decision was taken at a meeting of the council of ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, to check community spread of the coronavirus pandemic and to prevent overcrowding at the Mandis in the light of the ensuing wheat harvesting/procurement season," the government said in a press statement.

The 21-day lockdown, declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 24, was purported to end on April 14. PM Modi will be taking a meeting with all the chief ministers via video conferencing on April 11 to discuss the extension of the lockdown. It said Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh will communicate the decision to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the chief ministers' virtual conference on Saturday. Earlier in the day, Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh said the government was "seriously" thinking of extending the lockdown but a dinal decision would however be taken by the state cabinet. The total number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 6761 while the death toll is now 206.

Given the seriousness of the situation arising out of #Covid19, Cabinet has decided to extend lockdown & curfew till 1st May. These are difficult times & I appeal to all to #StayHomeStaySafe & strictly observe health safeguards as you have done so far, for which I am thankful. pic.twitter.com/OBq7uJgpnQ

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) April 10, 2020