Bhubaneswar: Amid the surge in COVID-19 cases across the nation, Biju Janata Dal-led Odisha government on Thursday extended the ongoing lockdown till April 30, becoming the first state to do so.
According to reports, the decision was taken after a cabinet meet chaired by chief minister Naveen Patnaik.
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Patnaik reportedly requested the centre to follow suit and not to start train or air services till April 30. Besides, all the educational institutions will remain closed till June 17.
Odisha has recorded 44 positive cases of coronavirus so far.
The nationwide lockdown was declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 to break the chain of coronavirus transmission and it was scheduled to be lifted on April 15.
