Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to address the nation again on lockdown extension

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address the nation again to announce his decision on whether the coronavirus lockdown will end on Tuesday. Before the decision, he will meet with Chief Ministers via video conference tomorrow. According to reports, the lockdown is likely to be extended with few changes with social distancing norms. Meanwhile, speculations are rife that airlines operations may slowly resume keeping in mind the fact that how badly the aviation sector has suffered. In a video meeting with leaders of all parties on Wednesday, PM Modi had said by all accounts the lifting of the lockdown "is not possible".

"The priority of the government is to save each and every life. The situation in the country is akin to a 'social emergency', it has necessitated tough decisions and we must continue to remain vigilant," said the PM, according to political leaders who participated in the interaction.Many states have sought an extension of the 21-day nationwide lockdown announced by PM Modi on March 25, saying they will not be able to handle a surge of COVID-19 cases. 

Odisha yesterday became the first state to announce a lockdown till the end of this month. Karnataka is also expected to seek an extension today. Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are among states that have called for a longer lockdown. India has 6,412 cases of coronavirus, including 199 deaths. Thirty-three deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours.