India has extended a nationwide coronavirus lockdown until May 3 as the country battles to combat the deadly virus. Announcing the decision to extend the lockdown Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a televised speech on Tuesday that some states which have avoided outbreaks may be allowed to resume "important activities." India's current three-week-old lockdown which came into force on March 25 was to scheduled end at midnight Tuesday. In his address to the nation, Modi said it was vital that the virus is prevented from impacting parts of the country that remain unaffected. "My request to all my countrymen is that coronavirus will not be allowed to spread across new areas at any cost," said Indian premier. "We have to be very careful about hotspots. We will have to keep a close watch on the places that are expected to become hotspots." The government will evaluate every town, district and state until April 20 for adherence with the lockdown, Modi said. "We will have to keep a close and strict watch on the places which run the risk of becoming hotspots," the PM said. "The creation of new hotspots will further challenge our hard work and penance. Hence, let us extend the strictness and austerity in the fight against corona for the upcoming one week." India has so far reported 10,541 infections and 358 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. That compares with more than half a million cases and nearly 24,000 deaths in the US. The move comes despite mounting concerns that millions of daily-wage workers are struggling to survive as jobs have vanished and incomes dried up. "From the economic angle, we have paid a big price," Modi said. "But the lives of the people of India are far more valuable." "From the experiences of the last few days it is clear that the path we have chosen is correct." The World Health Organisation on Tuesday praised India's decision to extend the lockdown, saying "it would go a long way in arresting the virus spread". "Despite huge and multiple challenges, India has been displaying unwavering commitment in its fight against the pandemic," WHO regional director Poonam Khetrapal Singh said in a statement. — Agencies
