The ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown till April 14 as a measure to curb the coronavirus outbreak would be extended till April 30 in Odisha. In fact, Odisha is the first State in the country to have taken such a decision.
A proposal in this regard was approved by the State Cabinet held for the first time through a videoconference from the Naveen Niwas here on Thursday. The meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was attended by five Ministers.
"The entire human race is facing the biggest enemy (COVID-19) during a century. We have to decide between human life and economy. Emphasising on safety of human life, the State Cabinet has decided to extend the lockdown period till April 30," said the Chief Minister in a video after chairing the Cabinet meeting.
Patnaik thanked line Government departments for supporting and contributing to make the lockdown successful. "I understand that you (people) are facing difficulties due to the lockdown. But there is no other way to combat the deadly virus. I appreciate your support and sacrifices," said he.
The Cabinet also took a decision to send a recommendation to the Union Government to extend the lockdown till April 30 and suspend train and flight services till that date.
The Chief Minister said a proposal was also approved to make all arrangements for conducting 1 lakh rapid tests for COVID-19.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday appreciated the State Government's decision of extending the lockdown period till April 30.
"Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has taken a welcome step. We all have to follow the Government's lockdown regulations," saidPradhan.