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India extends nationwide lockdown until end of May
NEW DELHI, India, May 17, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – India extended its
coronavirus lockdown to the end of May on Sunday as it reported its
biggest single-day jump in cases, but said some sectors would be
permitted to open up as its economy takes a hammering.
The lockdown affecting 1.3 billion people — the world’s largest —
has been in force since late March and has been devastating for
India’s poor, with millions of migrant workers losing their jobs.
“Lockdown measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 will continue
for a period of up to (May 31),” the Home Affairs Ministry said in a
statement.
Schools, places of worship, shopping malls, cinemas and gyms must
remain closed, the ministry said, adding bans on large gatherings for
religious and sporting events would also be extended.
City metro train services and domestic and international air travel
will also remain suspended, it said.
Restaurants will now be allowed to operate their kitchens for
takeaway services while sports complexes and stadiums are permitted to
host events, but without spectators.
The National Disaster Management Authority said the restrictions
would be updated “as necessary, keeping in view the need to open up
economic activities” in Asia’s third-biggest economy while containing
the virus.
Further state-based details were expected to be finalised later Sunday.
The lockdown extension came as India recorded its biggest
single-day jump in virus cases with 4,987 new infections in the last
24 hours.
It took the total number of cases to 90,927 with 2,872 deaths.
There were some nationwide relaxations for industry and agriculture
last month, while offices this week were allowed to operate with
one-third capacity.
The country’s massive rail network also re-started on Tuesday with
limited services.
BSS/AFP/MRU/2125hrs