Under pressure from states, Centre considering extension of lockdown

States fear lifting curbs will worsen Covid situation

The Centre indicated on Tuesday that it was in no hurry to lift the nationwide lockdown on April 15, after several state governments  came out in favour of an extension. The Union government and states are expected to have a coordinated view on the matter, according to officials.  

Many state governments have told the Centre they would not be able to handle more pressure on health facilities if “outsiders” transported Covid-19 into new areas. Responding to the requests made by many states and experts for an extension of the three-week lockdown, the Centre was thinking on those lines, a source said.