Coronavirus: Telangana announces lockdown extension till May 7

Source: Twitter Telangana CMO

Team Careers360 | April 20, 2020 | 02:45 PM IST

NEW DELHI: Telangana Government has extended the lockdown till May 7 in the state.

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao announced that the lockdown will be enforced strictly, and the food delivery services will not be allowed from April 20.

Rao said during a press conference on April 19, "We are extending lockdown till May 7 in the state. It will only end on May 8," India Today reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended the lockdown till May 3.

The chief minister said that the government will impose a "strict lockdown" and review the COVID-19 situation in the state on May 5 to decide the future course of action.

He said, "The cabinet has decided to extend the lockdown in the state till May 7. The cabinet will take stock of the situation on May 5," NDTV reported.

"The existing lockdown rules, including night curfew, would continue to be in force and it would be implemented in a tough manner," Rao said during the press conference.

Prime Minister Modi had said in his national address on April 14 that certain relaxations may be permitted after April 20 depending on the prevailing COVID-19 situation in respective regions.

Mr Rao, however, said the state cabinet has decided that no relaxation will be given in Telangana, adding that the decision was taken in the interest of public health.

Appealing people to avoid ordering food from outside, the chief minister said that the food delivery services by Zomato and Swiggy will be stopped until the lockdown is lifted.

"We will not die if we don't eat pizza," Rao asserted.

However, people can order groceries through apps, Rao said

Emphasising that everyone has to follow the lockdown "strictly", the chief minister said that religious congregations will not be allowed in the state.

"Whether it is Ramzan, Hindus or Christians, anybody, this is not confined to any one religion or section. Everybody has to follow the rule very strictly," Rao said.

Referring to reports that air travel bookings may be allowed from May 4, Rao appealed to passengers not to come to Telangana till May 7, as taxi, hotel and other services would not be available.

Further, the chief minister said that the government will issue orders to the landlords to defer the rent for the months of March, April and May.

Rao also said that the government is issuing necessary orders instructing private schools to not increase the fees “even by one paise” for 2020-21 academic year.

About 87.50 lakh ration card holders and migrant workers will receive 12 kg of rice per person for free and Rs 1,500 per family for buying vegetables and other essential items in May. Pensioners will be given 75 percent of their pay.

He announced certain relief measures for other sections, including industries.

Rao mentioned that he has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (FRBM) limit of the states, India Today reported

“The Centre should help the states in whichever form it can,” Rao said.

Telangana is the first state to announce extension of lockdown beyond May 3.

Currently, Telangana has 844 confirmed cases with 18 deaths.