COVID-19 update: PM Modi to address the nation at 10 am tomorrow 

NEW DELHI: As 21 days lockdown comes to an end, PM Modi will address the nation at 10 am tomorrow. It was in his address to the nation where he had announced 21 day lockdown.

If the Chief Ministers’ conference on Saturday, a third in less than two weeks, convened by PM Modi is an indication, there has been a growing unanimity that the ongoing shutdown should continue “at least for two more weeks”.

The CMs also seemed to agree on opening up the rural economy, especially grain markets. The suggestions included continuing the lockdown of airports, railway stations and metro trains.

There were indications that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is contemplating a graded lifting of lockdown measures, and marking the country into red, yellow and green zones, depending on the severity of the coronavirus spread.

The PMO will also review the situation with top officials and experts, sources added. After the meeting with CMs, the Prime Minister indicated in his remarks that based on recommendations of States, the lockdown might be extended by two weeks.

Sources indicated that at least ten Chief Ministers “strongly advocated” an extension of the ongoing shutdown. While some CMs have advised the PM to extend it “at least for the rest of April”, some have advocated “caution”, in case he decides against extending it.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has suggested the extension of the nationwide shutdown for “at least a fortnight”. The CM has already extended the shutdown in Punjab till May 1.

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