Tamil Nadu & Punjab mull extending lockdown post-April 14 ahead of PM Modi's CM conference

With just a few days left for national shut down to come to an end, both Tamil Nadu and Punjab governments, on Friday, are mulling an extension of lockdown, as per sources. Apart from se two states - Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi are major states also mulling extending lockdown. Currently, India's Coronavirus (COVID-19) is at 6412 - with Tamil Nadu reporting 834 cases and Punjab reporting 101 cases.

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Punjab & Tamil Nadu mull extension

Sources report that CM Captain Amarinder Singh has already asked a high-powered committee to plan for an exit strategy on lockdown, but is seriously contemplating extension of lockdown. Tamilnadu, on or hand already has a medical expert committee that has recommended extension of lockdown by 2 weeks. While Centre has maintained that it has t decided on extension, Prime Minister is scheduled to speak with all CMs on Saturday prior to end of national lockdown.

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Markaz & Tamil Nadu - Punjab

Nizamuddin Markaz event which almost amounts to 30% of India's COVID-19 tally has majorly contributed to both states COVID-19 tally. With Tamil Nadu having 1100 Markaz attendees, it has tracked down all cases and quarantined ir contacts. Punjab, on or hand, is yet to track several attendees who are in hiding. Apart from Markaz woes, Punjab is also tracing 64,000 NRIs who have come back to India in past 4-5 months.

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Coronavirus crisis in India

As of date, 5709 active cases have been reported of pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 503 have been discharged and Maharashtra reported highest at 1364. 199 deaths have been reported till date. India has suspended all visas and barred travel from Afghanistan, Philippines, EU, UK, China, Malaysia and mandatory 14-day quarantine from several or countries. Prime Minister has issued a 21-day countrywide lockdown starting from 23 March to April 15 and Finance Minister has anunced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore pack under 'PM Gareeb Kalyan Scheme'. With rise in number of cases, Centre and several states are mulling extending lockdown. 

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