Bengaluru: Amid speculations and confusions on the extension of the lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address the nation on Saturday, April 11. 

He is expected to announce his decision on the extension of the lockdown. 

On the same day, he is expected to meet chief ministers of different states through videoconferencing and collect their views on the lockdown extension. 

Also Read: PM to meet chief minister on April 11

In might be recalled that several states including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh have batted for an extension of the lockdown. 

In fact, Naveen Patnaik, the Odisha chief minister went a step ahead and declared that the lockdown extension would be in place till April 30. 

Odisha, thereby, became the first state in the country to take such a call. 

As of now, the only available strategy to contain the spread of the virus is to practice social distancing and stay home. The other assured way of killing the virus is to wash hands frequently. 

The lockdown, which will be extended in all likelihood, will see restrictions on interstate movement continue. Schools, colleges and other educational institutions too will be shut. 

Also Read: Centre unveils COVID-19 package

Well, along with the chief ministers who have thrown their weight behind the Prime Minister in relation to the extension, medical experts too have expressed their intention to continue the lockdown. 

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan reiterated that the government has done its part in curbing the spread. 

"Measures like active screening, community surveillance, capacity building of ASHA workers and upgrading the health infrastructure have helped India reduce infection rate. An aggressive screening of people who travelled from other countries and following their contact history helped the government identify patients in good time.”

He also stated that social distancing and washing hands are the best possible ways to keep the virus at bay.