India Likely to Extend Lockdown

New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indicated that a lockdown to deter coronavirus transmission is likely to be expanded.

Restrictions will not be removed in one go after April 14, as COVID-19 infections continue to spread throughout the world, he said.

In a video conference with members of all parties, Modi said he will communicate with the Chief Ministers on 11 April, but it was "not necessary" to raise the lockout at the moment. He said the decision would be finalized after a meeting with the Chief Ministers.

"The priority of the government is to save each and every life. The situation in the country is akin to a 'social emergency', it has necessitated tough decisions and we must continue to remain vigilant," said the PM.

Life will not be the same again after COVID-19, the Prime Minister said, adding that there are "pre-corona and post-corona" situations.

"Massive behavioural, social and personal changes will have to take place," he told political leaders in the video conference.

The sweeping lockdown of 1.3 billion people to prevent an epidemic of COVID-19 will expire on April 14.

Many states and experts have requested an extension, given the rapid spread of virus cases and warnings that the infection could peak in the coming weeks.

The crisis for thousands of migrant workers, rising unemployment and the strain on businesses has increased the pressure on the government to reopen parts of Asia's third-largest economy. Some within the government is in favour of sealing corona hotspots and easing restrictions in other parts.

A group of ministers suggested that schools, colleges and religious centres should be closed for more weeks.

Train transport, busses, metro and religious meetings are unlikely to be permitted anywhere in the world.

The number of coronavirus infections in the country has risen to 5.194, with 149 fatalities.

Ghulam Nabi Azad of Congress, Sudip Bandyopadhyay of Trinamool Congress and Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena, among others, entered the video-conference.