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Source: Google
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik(Naveen emerges Corona Saviour extends lockdown till April 30) swallowed a bitter with his decision to enforce lockdown in Odisha till April to stem the rise of Covid-19 pandemic. The first CM to announce the bold step while his counterparts are still immersed in consultations, Patnaik said he chose ‘people’s lives’ over economic activity.
“From March 15th when we had the first case, till today at 42 cases your discipline and sacrifice have helped the state. In the same period, US – a Superpower, has moved from 3000 to 4 lakh cases.”
“The United States has lost more people to Covid-19 than all the wars and 9/11 attack put together. They have still not locked down the country as a whole. At this crucial juncture, one has to decide between protecting the lives of people and economic activity.”
The State Cabinet which met today decided that saving the lives of our people is the topmost priority at this juncture. Accordingly, we have decided to extend the lockdown until April 30th. “We will recommend to Government of India to extend the national lockdown up to April 30”, Patnaik said in his address after chairing an exigent Cabinet meeting.
Patnaik(Naveen emerges Corona Saviour extends lockdown till April 30) will also request the Union Government not to start Airline and Railway services till April 30th.
As regards people from Odisha who are stranded in various parts of the country, our intervention for their well-being will be through the concerned State Governments.
Odisha(Naveen emerges Corona Saviour extends lockdown till April 30) will take care of all the people who are stranded in Odisha. Activities related to agriculture, animal husbandry and MGNREGS will be facilitated during the lockdown period following social distancing norms.
In a larger context food security of the people is a major priority of the state. As regards educational institutions they will remain closed till June 17.
As has been stated earlier, there will not be any problem with the transport of goods. We are leaving no stone unturned in scaling up COVID testing and treatment facilities.
The state government has proposed to do one lakh rapid testing in the state at the earliest possible time.
The CM(Naveen emerges Corona Saviour extends lockdown till April 30) thanked doctors from all over the country who have volunteered to offer their services in telemedicine. He also owed his gratitude to 4.5 crores Odia people for their support in ensuring the success of the lockdown.
