"PM Has Taken Correct Decision To Extend Lockdown", Tweets Arvind Kejriwal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to extend the nationwide lockdown imposed to control the spread of the novel coronavirus is "correct", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today, after a video conference with PM Modi and chief ministers of several other states.

Minutes earlier sources told NDTV that the Prime Minister had indicated an extension of the current lockdown, scheduled to end on Tuesday, as the situation is a "matter of concern".

"Prime Minister has taken correct decision to extend lockdown. Today, India's position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is important to extend it," Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.

India has over 7,400 confirmed coronavirus cases and has reported 239 deaths; this morning the government indicated that 40 deaths had been reported in a 24-hour period.

Delhi has reported 903 cases (third-highest in the country) and 13 deaths.

During the meeting with PM Modi, in which 12 other chief ministers participated, Mr Kejriwal supported extending the lockdown at a national level, saying: "If states decide length of lockdown, then the fight against the coronavirus won't be effective".

"If the lockdown is eased, all kinds of transport, either rail or road, should not be allowed," he added.

Odisha and Punjab have already announced an extension of the lockdown.

The Bihar government in a letter to the centre has raised no objection to extending the lockdown; however, it wants an exception for rural construction and flood relief work to continue, sources have told NDTV. Bihar saw massive floods last year and rebuilding projects are still going on.

In the battle to contain the COVID-19 virus in Delhi, Mr Kejriwal's AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) government has identified 30 "coronavirus hotspots" across the city, in which strict measures are being taken.

This includes a complete ban on people leaving their homes; the government has assured door delivery of essential supplies - groceries, vegetables, etc. - in these areas. The government will conduct door-to-door screening of every house in a containment zone to identify and isolate coronavirus-positive people.

On Friday Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain spoke to NDTV and said Dilshad Garden, in the northeast of the city, was the first COVID-19 containment zone to be declared coronavirus-free.