Covid-19: VP Venkaiah Naidu hints at lockdown extension, says 'health over economy'

As COVID-19 lockdown period ears its end on April 14, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said on Tuesday that considerations of people's health shall precede over those for stabilising ecomy. 

Naidu said that next week will be critical for deciding exit from lockdown restrictions in force since March 25. He said that exit strategy will depend on extent and rate of spre of Coronavirus.

"I am gl that leership including Prime Minister and Chief Ministers have started consultations on exit from present lockdown. I am certain that y will come out with best possible solution.

Between considerations of health of people and stabilisation of our ecomy being debated, former shall take precedence over later. In my view, while concerns of ecomy can wait for ar day, that of health can't," Venkaiah Naidu said.

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'Abide by Government's decision'

Vice President appealed to people to abide by Government's decision in ongoing national effort with same spirit if it is extended beyond April 14. He expressed confidence that government will ensure necessary relief and support to poor and vulnerable sections.

Venkaiah Naidu said global community needs to learn from ongoing crisis and scarcities in effectiveness of institutions, infrastructure, information sharing, internal cooperation and individual actions need to be improved to face challenge effectively.

" duration of fight against virus may be uncertain at moment but we shall triumph in end," he said, ding that wisdom lies in minimising cost to health and wealth of people across globe.

Venkaiah Naidu said that country has shown spirit to win over situation and needs to keep it up till end. "Let's live with hardship a little longer for a better tomorrow," he said.

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(With inputs from ANI)