The national media on Tuesday widely reported that the government of India is considering the option to extend the lockdown post 14 April, when the initial 21-day lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 March ends. Several chief ministers along with health experts are reported to have called on the Centre to extend the lockdown. There is no doubt that the fight against the highly contagious Covid-19 virus is going to be a long haul. Medical experts from across the world have repeatedly said that social distancing is perhaps the most effective weapon to stop the spread of the virus.
As the whole world battles, the fight against Covid-19 is entering into a decisive stage in India. The next one month will decide the fate of the nation. The entire world is closely watching how the most advanced countries in the world, like the USA, Italy, England, Spain, etc, are struggling despite having the best medical care facilities. If this virus spreads quickly, India simply will not be able to handle. The healthcare facilities are very poor and we will be overwhelmed if the Covid-19 virus spreads quickly. Therefore, perhaps extending of the lockdown makes sense. However, the government will have to come up with a robust plan on how to make life easier for the public during this period. Issues like availability of ration items, etc, have become very sensitive. The daily wage earners are the worst sufferers. Simply extending the lockdown will not work. The government has to explain in detail what it is going to do next and keep the nation informed.