On the 8th of April, India reported a total of 5,356 positive cases of the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 infections and 160 deaths.
The numbers increased by 400 in less than 24 hours with 20 casualties. With just a week left for the end of the Nationwide lockdown, the drastic increase in numbers is disappointing.
Amongst the deceased are a 14 months old boy of Jamnagar, Gujarat, which is said to be the youngest in India to die due to the Novel Coronavirus.
State governments of Telangana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Rajasthan supported the extension and urged the Central Government to extend the Nationwide lockdown.
Prakash Javadekar, the Broadcasting Minister of India said, “We are monitoring the world situation every minute. A decision will be taken in the national interest. A decision in this regard will be declared at the right time.” The statement of Mr. Javadekar came after a meeting, which was held on the 7th of April, at the residence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Chaired by Mr. Singh, the meeting was scheduled to discuss the ongoing situation, COVID-19 cases and post lockdown action plan.
A source close to the developments of the lockdown review, who wished to be anonymous said, “A lot of state governments, as well as experts, are requesting the Central Government to extend the lockdown. The Central government is thinking in this direction.”
However, an official decision regarding the extension or lifting of the Nationwide lockdown is yet to be taken. The final call regarding the same would be taken on the 14th of April, by the Prime Minister of Ind
