Amid apprehensions of community spread, Captain Amarinder Singh-led Punjab government has decided to extend the lockdown in the state till May 1. The move comes after the state is seeing a rapid rise in the number of Covid-19 cases that has already crossed the 100-mark in the state.

The CM took the decision after a state cabinet meeting today.

“The decision was taken at a meeting of the council of ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, to check community spread of the coronavirus pandemic and to prevent overcrowding at the Mandis in the light of the ensuing wheat harvesting/procurement season,” the government said in a press statement.

The Chief Minister said the curfew restrictions were essential so that the medical infrastructure is not burdened beyond its capabilities.

Captain Amarinder said he will request former Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Ahluwalia to head a high-powered committee to suggest a road map for State’s economic revival in post-COVID era once the crisis softens.

Punjab has become the second state to extend the lockdown. Odisha became the first state in India to confirm an extension of lockdown with the measure now being implemented through to 30 April with schools remaining closed through to mid-June.

State Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik claimed: “At this crucial juncture one has to decide between protecting lives of people and economic activity. The state cabinet, which met today, decided that saving the lives of our people is the topmost priority at this juncture”.

With Punjab and Odisha making the big announcements, it is being awaited if other states too make such big moves.

India’s financial capital and home to over 24 million people Mumbai has become India’s coronavirus epicentre. The metropolis and its suburbs have reported over 700 positive cases so far. The state has sealed major hotspots and will screen all seven lakh persons in the Dharavi, an area where the virus has been spreading rapidly.

Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have also sealed major Corona hotspots in a bid to curb the menace.

It remains to be seen if these states will too extend the lockdown, considering Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted at extending the national lockdown after states stressed on doing so to stop the increase the cases.