Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has extended the Lockdown period till 30th April, 2020. Odisha is the first State in the country which extended the Lockdown period by another 15 days.

While extending the Lockdown period, the State government has requested the Centre to stop rail and air communication during the period.

Announcing the extension of Lockdown period in the State the chief minister Naveen Patnaik in video message said: ” I thank the 4.50 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 .”

” From March 15th when we had the first case , till today at 42 cases your discipline and sacrifice has helped the State .
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 attack put together. They have still not Lockeddown 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 the top most priority at this juncture.
Accordingly we have decided to extend the Lockdown till April 30th. In addition to this we will also request the Union government not to start Airline and Railway services till April 30th .”

” We will recommend to government of India to extend the national Lockdown up to 30thApril .”

“We are leaving no stone unturned in scaling up COVID testing and treatment facilities We propose to do one lakh rapid testing in the State at the earliest possible time .”

” As regards the people from Orissa who are stranded in various parts of the country , our intervention for their well-being will be through the concerned State governments . Odisha will take care of all the people who are stranded in Odisha.”
” Activities related to agriculture , animal husbandry and MGNREGS will be facilitated during the Lockdown period following social distancing norms.”
” As regards educational institutions they will remain closed till June 17.”