Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will hold his third video conference with the Chief Ministers after the COVID – 19 outbreak in the country. He is expected to take stock of the current pandemic scenario in all the states and the measures being adopted there so far. He is then expected to focus on the future plans and decision of adopting a likely plan of a graded exit from the current lockdown based on inputs from all. It is evident that before taking any decision he will seek the views of all the participants.
During the previous video conference held on April 11, a joint decision based on recommendations of all to extend the initial lockdown of 21 days by another two weeks was taken. It has been noticed that the Central and State governments have been giving certain relaxations in various fields and sectors in the non-hot spots and non-containment areas and states to keep the economic momentum going, and also to provide some relief to people. It is however likely that certain Chief Ministers may ask for an extension of the current lockdown beyond 3rd May to safeguard against further spread of the Coronavirus in their respective states.
The current relaxations post 20th April included the opening of standalone shops in urban residential and other urban areas. Malls and large shopping areas were to continue their closure.In today’s press conference at least 9 chief ministers from East and North East India will speak. The chief ministers are expected to give an update of the responses registered due to the partial relaxations granted on April 20th to certain sectors. Other important discussion points are likely to be an update on the current situation regarding testing kits and the protection of the front line warriors – the doctors.
