The Odisha Chief Minister also urged the Centre to not start train and air services till April 30
As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak continues to spread like wildfire across India, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday issued an order extending the COVID-19 lockdown in the state till April 30, essentially becoming the first state in India to do so. After announcing the order, Patnaik termed the coronavirus crisis as the biggest threat the human race has faced in more than a century, adding that "life will not be the same ever again".
The Odisha Chief Minister also urged the Centre to not start train and air services till April 30, adding that the Odisha cabinet recommends the union government to do the same. "Odisha cabinet decides for extension and also recommends to Union government to do the same," the state government said in a statement.
"Coronavirus is the biggest threat that the human race has faced in more than a century. Life will not be the same ever. All of us must understand this and face it boldly together. With our sacrifice and with the blessing of Lord Jagannath, this too shall pass," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said in the statement.
"Educational institutions will remain closed till June 17. The food security of people is of the utmost importance. Agriculture, animal husbandry, MGNREGS related activities to be facilitated following social distancing norms," the state government said. "As earlier, free movement of goods transport will be allowed," it said.
As many as 42 people have been affected by COVID-19 in Odisha till now. There have also been two deaths from the disease in the state. Odisha is among the states that have made face masks compulsory for people stepping out of their homes. The other states/UTs which have done so are Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Nagaland.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier said that he had received suggestions from experts from all over India and all of them have recommended the extension of nationwide lockdown to cut the spread of the virus and "flatten" the curve.
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 "Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik")
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