Key Takeaways From PM Modi’s Meet With Chief Ministers; Lockdown Will Stay In Red Zones Post May 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with nine chief ministers of the country taking account of the COVID-19 situation in their respective states. PM Modi indicated that the coronavirus lockdown could continue beyond May 3 in parts of the country worst affected by the pandemic i.e. the hotspots or ‘red zones’. PM Modi also called for an exit plan from each state based on red, orange & green coding of districts depending on the number of COVID-19 cases. Even as the districts with fewer cases reopened for business, PM said, masks and "Do gaz doori (six feet apart)" would continue to be a way of life. Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren said the Central guidelines on the opening of shops will not be implemented in the state. Hemant Soren, Chief Minister, Jharkhand said, “We have decided not to implement the Central guidelines on the opening of shops, due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in Jharkhand. No shops will open in any areas of the State until May 3.” After Maharashtra, the Meghalaya government said it was mulling continuation of the shutdown with some relaxation in non-coronavirus affected areas. Telangana has already extended the lockdown till May 7. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik asked for the lockdown to be extended till June 3. Reportedly, the Kerala government favoured a ‘partial’ lockdown in the state till May 15. The number of cases in India has reached 28380 with 886 deaths being reported. Maharashtra contributes the highest with 8068 cases and 342 deaths.