Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs implications of a Sunday address, Indian news conglomerate Times Now has just released an announcement regarding the much-expected lockdown extension.

#Breaking 1st on TIMES NOW | Lockdown extended for 2 more weeks with some graded relaxations.

Govt will issue guidelines shortly. pic.twitter.com/Z9BmEYcwT9

After Marchâs three-week lockdown, it seems that the government has decided to push the lockdown by another two weeks - crossing the one month mark - and also has hinted towards a staggered approach to life post-lockdown, which the news outlet calls âgraded relaxationsâ.

Soon after the announcement hit social media, the Prime Ministerâs Office released a statement:

"Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today interacted with Chief Ministers of all states via video conferencing to strategize ahead for tackling COVID-19. This was the third such interaction of the Prime Minister with the Chief Ministers, the earlier ones had been held on 2nd April and 20th March, 2020.

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The Prime Minister observed that the combined effort of the Centre and the States has definitely helped reduce the impact of COVID-19 but since the situation is rapidly evolving, constant vigilance is paramount. 

He emphasized the criticality of coming 3-4 weeks for determining the impact of the steps taken till now to contain the virus, adding that teamwork is the key to facing the challenge.  

PM Modi categorically assured that India has adequate supplies of essential medicines and said that measures are being taken to ensure the availability of protective gear and critical equipment for all front-line workers. He also gave a stern message against black marketing and hoarding. 

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The Chief Ministers provided feedback about the COVID positive cases in their respective states, steps taken by then to maintain social distancing, ramp up healthcare infrastructure, mitigate difficulties of migrants and maintain the supply of essentials. The Chief Ministers suggested that Lockdown should be extended by two weeks. They also sought financial and fiscal assistance from the Contre to boost their resources in this fight against the pandemic. 

The interaction was also attended by Union Home Minister, Defence Minister, Health Minister, Principal Secretary, Cabinet Secretary and other senior officials of Government of India.

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