The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday issued an order extending the nationwide lockdown till May 31 as a preventive measure to contain the spread of COVID19.
The NDMA on Sunday asked the ministries, departments of the central government, state governments and state authorities to continue the lockdown measures up to May 31, 2020.
In its order, the NDMA said: “Considering the fact that the lockdown measures need to be implemented for a further period in the country to contain the spread of COVID 19, NDMA, in exercise of powers under Section 6 (2) (i) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, hereby directs the Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, State Governments and State Authorities to continue the lockdown measures up to 31 May, 2020.”
The NDMA also directed the NEC to issue modifications in the guidelines as necessary, keeping in view the need to open up economic activities while containing the spread of COVID 19.
The NDMA, which is the apex disaster management body, asked the National Executive Council (NEC) to amend the guidelines to open up economic activities.
This is the third extension to the nationwide lockdown.
The nationwide lockdown for the first time was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since March 24 midnight as a preventive measure to contain the spread of COVID19.
The lockdown was first extended from April 15 and then May 4.
According to the Union health ministry website, the total number of positive cases in the country is now at 90, 927, including 53,946 active cases, 34,109 cured/discharged/migrated cases.
Maharashtra is on the top of the list of Indian states registering the highest number of COVID19 positive cases.
So far, Maharashtra has recorded 30,706 positive cases with 1,135 deaths.
