PM Modi hints at a more relaxed lockdown 4.0 in the video conference with all CMs

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video conference with all the Chief Ministers and discussed the next phase of the nationwide lockdown. In the conference, the Prime Minister hinted that the lockdown will not be lifted completely but will be relaxed in a phased manner.

According to the sources from the Prime Minister’s office, the measures that were imposed in the first three phases would not be needed in the fourth phase of the lockdown. The Prime Minister also asked the states to come up with a blueprint for the gradual lifting by 15^th May. He called for a balanced strategy that would revive the economy and also deal with the COVID-19 situation ensuring the rural areas are isolated from the virus.

In the video conference that lasted for six hours, the Prime Minister said,

“I am of the firm view that the measures needed in the first phase of lockdown were not needed during the 2^nd phase and similarly the measures needed in the 3^rd phase are not needed in the fourth. I request you all to share with me by May 15, a broad strategy on how each one of you would want to deal with lockdown regime in your particular state.”

Prepare for non-COVID diseases during the monsoon

With the monsoon season coming, the Prime Minister warned the Chief Ministers of the onslaught of non-COVID19 diseases and asked them to be prepared for it. He reiterated that even as the lockdown is gradually lifted, social distancing remains the ‘biggest weapon’. Addressing the trains resuming operations, he said that not all routes will be resumed. Only a limited number of trains will operate, he said.

The Prime Minister continues to feel optimistic about the COVID-19 situation in the country, sources in PMO said. By saying that the world will be divided into Pre-Corona and Post-Corona, he said that India should leverage on the opportunities that will come its way in the Post-Corona world. The lockdown that was first imposed on the 25^th of March will come to end on the 17^th of May if no further lockdown is announced. Although, it looks like a much more relaxed and focused phase of lockdown is on the cards.