Three Indian states are extending lockdown measures past June 30, the date that the country’s final stage of nationwide lockdown is set to lift.
The eastern states of West Bengal and Jharkhand have extended their lockdowns until July 31, while the northeastern state of Assam has imposed a total lockdown in its Kamrup metropolitan area until July 12.
In Jharkhand: The state’s Chief Minister Hemant Soren tweeted on Friday that the “struggle is still going on.”
“Considering the seriousness of the situation, the state government has decided to extend the lockdown till 31 July. The relaxations in lockdown already issued will remain in place,” Soren said.
In Assam: The state announced a “total lockdown” in the Kamrup metropolitan area, meaning all activity will remain closed apart from essential services, including public transport and industrial activity, according to an order issued by the government of Assam on Friday.
In West Bengal: All non-essential activities will remain closed. Academic institutions across the country are scheduled to resume classes in July, but West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that schools and colleges in the state will remain shut until July 31 — aside from a few examinations, which will be carried out while maintaining social distancing.
“Since Covid is increasing across the country, it is our responsibility to help the country the little bit that we can in reducing cases so let us try to extend the lockdown for a few more days,” Banerjee said Wednesday.
Nationwide: India issued a nationwide lockdown till June 30 in containment zones with a high number of cases. Directives are yet to be issued on whether the restrictions in these zones will be extended.
India has reported more than 548,000 coronavirus cases, including over 16,000 deaths, according to the country’s health ministry.