Prakash Javadekar says the 'worst phase' of coronavirus is over, but social distancing and other guidelines must be observed

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New Delhi: Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday that the worst phase of coronavirus epidemic in India seemed to be over, but people should continue to follow all precautions and guidelines.

"I think the worst is over. But till the time the disease is not completely contained, we should continue to follow all precautions and guidelines," he told ANI.

Javadekar said India took various timely initiatives, including a countrywide lockdown, and its management of COVID-19 has been better than other countries.

File image of Prakash Javadekar. ANI

"That is why lockdown has been extended for two weeks. The various zones are well-defined. Following the social distancing norm of do gaz ki doori will be a new normal till the time a vaccine is developed for COVID-19," he said.

The minister said the lockdown has brought us success in containing the COVID-19 pandemic. "Now that the restrictions in third phase, practically half of the country will be fully operational from 4 May," said Javadekar.

On 24 March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. It was later extended till 3 May.

On Friday, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order under the Disaster Management Act 2005 to further extend the lockdown by two weeks till 17 May.

With 2,293 new cases in the past 24 hours, the highest single-day spike, total number of cases in India reached 37,336 on Saturday, including 1,218 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. As many as 71 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

Of the total, 9,951 people have been cured, discharged or migrated.



from Firstpost India Latest News https://ift.tt/2WkdF8o
Press Trust of India

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