Aman Sharma
Citing the lockdown models of other countries, which either went for full lockdown (like Italy and France) with much smaller population or kept the lockdown relaxed with flights and public transport working despite a huge infected population (like the US), they said a balance could be struck in India.
This plan was around 10 days in the making, which is why PM Modi spoke about stressing on importance of both Jaan and Jahaan on 11th April. The guidelines have ensured that agricultural activities, manufacturing, logistics, e-commerce etc can start with minimal impact on India’s fight against Corona,” government officials said.
The decision to extend the lockdown till May 3 is based on the fact that all major impacted countries have gone for more than 40-day long lockdowns, an official said.
Modi has said that till April 20, every block, district, and state will be analysed closely about the enforcement of the lockdown and how much ever area is being saved from spread of coronavirus.
Ministries have backed selective opening to reboot a stalled economy.
This is a time to help each other and we should avoid blaming anyone: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Exemptions likely for agriculture, factories & transport of goods in the next phase of lockdown starting April 15.
The new fund has been opened up for donations from abroad after it was exempted from the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. Donors will be able to download donation receipts directly from the PM-CARES portal itself, ET has learned.
Sources indicated that this was a calibrated evolution in the strategy in dealing with Covid-19. Guidelines to be issued on the extended lockdown through the PM’s address by Monday may see some relaxations.
After Mumbai and Pune, Indore in Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the biggest concern for the government, with the death toll in the financial capital of Madhya Pradesh doubling in three days to 26 on Friday at a fatality rate of more than 10%.
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