Odisha News Times News Of Odisha For Odisha
Bhubaneswar:9/4/20: Odisha Cabinet headed by CM Shri Naveen Patnaik decided to extend the state lockdown till April 30th & recommended Union Government to extend the national lockdown till then. CM requested the GoI not to start train & air services during the lockdown.
Soon after the Cabinet meeting, the Odisha CM addressed the people of the State regarding the extension of lockdown.’ The Odisha CM said: “In view of the situation arising out of COVID-19, the state government today decided to extend the lockdown period till April 30”
The state cabinet has also given a proposal to Centre for extension of 21-day nationwide lockdown till April 30 to tackle the spread of COVID-19 in the country, he added.
The CM also informed that the State government has suggested the Union Government to shut down rail and air services till April 30.
Besides, all the educational institutions, including schools and colleges in the State will continue to remain closed till June 17, Patnaik said.
However, activities related to agriculture, animal husbandry and MGNREGS will be facilitated during the lockdown period following social distancing norms.“In a larger context food security of the people is a major priority of the state,” Patnaik said .
The CM thanked the people of Odisha for their support and cooperation with the government during the crucial period.
“I thank the 4.5 crore people of Odisha for all the support and cooperation each one of you has been extending in this serious crisis situation. I know it involves a lot of sacrifice, hardship and uncertainty but this is the only way to face this crisis,” stated the CM.
Highlighting the grave scenario of the COVID-19 outbreak in the USA, Patnaik said, “From March 15 when we had the first case, we have so far recorded 42 cases thanks to your discipline and sacrifice which has given us the strength. In the same period, US- a superpower, has moved from 3000 to 4 lakh cases. The United States has lost more people to COVID-19 than all the wars and 9/11 attacks put together. They have still not locked down the country as a whole. At this crucial juncture, one has to decide between protecting lives of people and economic activity. The State Cabinet which met today decided that saving the lives of our people is our topmost priority at this juncture.”
The CM also said that the people of Odisha, who are stranded in various parts of the country will be taken care by the concerned state governments and the State will look after the people of other states who are stuck in Odisha.
“Coronavirus is the biggest threat that the human race has faced in more than a century. Life will not be the same. All of us must understand this and face it boldly together. With our sacrifice and with the blessings of the Lord Jagannath this too shall pass,” Patnaik said while finishing off his statement.
