PM Modi speaks with Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren on COVID-19 preparedness via video conference as other ministers and officials look on (PTI photo)
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a video conference with chief ministers to discuss the situation arising due to the coronavirus pandemic in the country, which has been under a lockdown since March 25 to contain the spread of the virus, amid indications that the interaction would also focus on a graded exit from the ongoing lockdown.
This is Modi’s fourth such interaction with state chief ministers since March 22 when he discussed coronavirus situation and steps taken – both by the Centre and the states – to contain the pandemic. Two days later on March 24, Modi announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown. He extended the lockdown by 19 days on April 14, the