Extention Of Lockdown Will Be More Impactfull If Order Comes From Centre: Arvind Kejriwal

Mumbai: Following Odisha and Punjab extended the lockdown period amid Coronavirus pandemic, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal feels the attempt can’t be effective if other states lift the lockdown in the absence of a binding order coming from the Centre.

The lockdown which was announced by PM Modi last is about to end of April 14 and centre is yet to take a decision on the extension of lockdown period.

Meanwhile, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal pointed out during the PM’s meeting with the CMs on Saturday.

He said that the impact of the infection is not uniform across the country. Therefore, while hotspots may want to extend lockdown, states that have filed single-digit cases so far want to lift the lockdown.

Also Read: After Odisha, Punjab Extends Lockdown In State Till May 1

“If some states lift the lockdown, it will be difficult to formulate a policy, whether inter-state borders are opened or not, inter-state transport will be opened or not”, he informed.

“Ahead of the festive season (Baisakhi, Bihu, Bengali New Year), if some states partially lift the lockdown, they should ensure that there will be no religious, cultural gathering. Because although community transfer of coronaviruses has not been proven, it would be difficult to keep the infection even in a less affected pocket,” Kejriwal said.

“Ideally, lockdown can be lifted when there is a continuous decline of new cases for a period of at least 14 days, and when states are ready for rapid and large-scale testing,” he pointed.

Also Read: Odisha Becomes First State To Extend Lockdown Till April 30, Urges Centre To Follow

Meanwhile, states are already tightening the lockdown, as no decision has yet been announced on what will happen after April 14. West Bengal on Saturday imposed a strict lockout identifying the infection hotspot. Some parts of Kolkata also figure in the list of banned areas.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday stated that the number of coronavirus cases in India has risen to 7,447, while the death toll has reached 239.

Also Read: COVID-19: Misbehaviour With Doctors, Nurses Won’t Be Tolerated: Kejriwal

Moreover, 643 people have been cured, discharged or migrated, the ministry’s data revealed. Cases have been reported from 31 states and Union Territories so far.

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