In a meeting held on Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a group of ministers have recommended that owing to the current situation of COVID19 outbreak, all educational institutions, religious activities, public participation should not be allowed until May 15, 2020. The team suggested that this move needs to be taken irrespective of the decision of extending the current 21-day lockdown period.
The report based on sources was published in PTI, where it was mentioned that the suggestion was given considering the current scenario of coronavirus outbreak in the country, which has not been controlled yet. Ministers said that any gathering with four or more people could risk the spread of infection and hence the decision is necessary for the time period.
India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired this meeting, which was also attended by Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. They also concluded that after the lockdown, for the next four weeks, i.e. starting April 14, 2020, religious centres, shopping malls and educational institutions should not function as resuming their services and function, may come with a risk.
The source as per PTI reported that the government officials believe that resuming services for religious organisations should not be allowed considering the safety and precautionary measures in mind, as it would further spread the viral infection. Moreover, schools and colleges would remain closed as a part of summer vacation in May and June.
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The group of ministers have been given an important task to monitor the current outbreak across India and report the same to PM Modi. The team is also responsible to understand the scenarios which may occur post the lockdown period is over. Inputs from several states in taking these decisions matter a lot, as it helps the central government take decisions on containing the virus. Some officials also recommended an improvement in testing facilities for COVID19.
Reports also state that PM Modi, in a high-level meeting with the leaders, indicated many suggestions which he has received was to consider an extension of full lockdown as it would help the teams across the states to tackle the critical spread of coronavirus. PM will also be having a video meeting with the Chief Ministers on Saturday and officials may discuss a two-week extension of the lockdown, which may continue until the end of April.
In the previous meeting, PM Modi had informed the ministers to think about a staggered exit from the lockdown, however, it is reported that many senior leaders from different states have suggested a proper extension of the, keeping the challenges of the outbreak in mind, as phase-wise or district wise lifting, may not prove to be beneficial.
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