Telangana govt issues orders to extend lockdown till May 7

With significant dip in coronavirus positive cases, Telangana government has issued orders to extend ongoing  lockdown till May 7 with stringent measures. "Government of Telangana is of view that strict lockdown measures that have been implemented in state since March 22 have played an important role in slowing down  spread of COVID-19 in state. 

It is, refore, necessary that stringent measures should continue to be in place to consolidate containment measures in state. In view of this, it is decided that lockdown measures as already in force in Telangana shall apply till May 7 in state," a Government Order issued on Sunday said.

As part of exercise to contain COVID-19 spread,  Centre has issued detailed guidelines listing activities that will remain prohibited across country until May 3. Apart from activities that were permitted during  lockdown till April 14, new guidelines provide for certain additional activities to be permitted from April 20.

As on Sunday, Telangana reported 858 coronavirus positive cases, with 651 active patients. As many as 21 have died due to coronavirus, while 186 have been discharged for hospitals after recovery.  activities will be allowed in containment zones, except delivery of essential goods/services and re will be strict perimeter control in zones to ensure that re is  unchecked inward or outward movement of people except for maintaining essential services such as medical emergencies,  GO said.

"All religious places/places of worship shall be closed for public in order to prevent congregations leading to spread of COVID-19 and religious congregations shall be strictly prohibited," it said. E-Commerce companies and app-based online platforms shall t deliver cooked food duration of lockdown, Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar said in order.

Chief Secretary, in his capacity as Chairperson, State Executive Committee, issued directions to all government  departments, Collectors, Commissioners or Superintendents of Police in state to strictly implement  lockdown orders with immediate effect till May 7. Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao ordered landlords of houses to defer rent for March, April and May and t to collect interest for having deferred payment of rent. 

A complaint can be made against house-owners by calling '100' if y caused trouble, he had said. Talking about private schools, he said such schools should t increase fees even by one paise for 2020-21 academic year, he said.  chief minister had said 87.50 lakh ration card holders would get 12 kg of rice per person free of cost.

Similarly, government will also give Rs 1,500 per family for purchase of vegetables and or essential items in May, he said. Migrant workers would also get 12 kg of rice per person and Rs 1,500 per family, Rao had said.