Centre notifies extension of countrywide COVID-19 lockdown till May 3

"In pursuance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement today, the Government of India issues orders prescribing extension of lockdown for the containment of COVID-19 epidemic in the country till May 3”, the Ministry of Home Affairs order reads.

The order further read, “Whereas under directions of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and in exercise of the powers. conferred under Section 10(2)(I) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, that the lockdown measures stipulated in aforesaid Consolidated Guidelines of MHA for containment of COVlD-19 epidemic in the country, will continue to remain in force up to May3, 2020 to contain the spread of COVlD-19”.

Earlier, the NDMA in its order to extend the ongoing lockdown said, “Considering the fact that strictsocial distancing measures need to be implemented for further period to contain the spread of COVID 19,the National Authority, in exercise of power under section6(2)(i)of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, directs the Ministries , Departments of the Government of India ,State Governments nd State Authorities to continue the same measures for social distancing up to May 3.”

The NDMA also issued direction to the National Executive Council to issue modifications in the guidelines as necessary, keeping in view of the need to contain the spread the COVID 19.