Amid the surging number of coronavirus cases across thestate, Odisha on Thursday decided to extend the lockdown till April 30. OdishaChief Minister Naveen Patnaik issued an order extending the lockdown till April30. With this, Odisha has become the first state in the country to extend thelockdown. 

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has asked the Centre not tostart train and air services till April 30. "Odisha cabinet decides forextension and also recommends to Union government to do the same," thestate government said in a statement.

"Coronavirus is the biggest threat that the human racehas faced in more than a century. Life will not be the same ever. All of usmust understand this and face it boldly together. With our sacrifice and withthe blessing of Lord Jagannath, this too shall pass," CM Naveen Patnaiksaid in the statement.

Educational institutions will remain closed till June 17.The food security of people is of the utmost importance. Agriculture, animalhusbandry, MGNREGS related activities to be facilitated following social distancingnorms," the state government said. "As earlier, free movement ofgoods transport will be allowed," it said.

As of Thursday, Odisha has reported 42 coronavirus cases aswell as a single fatality.

Meanwhile, India's total number of COVID-19 infectionsjumped to 5,734 which includes 5095 active cases of infections, 473 cured and166 deaths, as per Heath Ministry data at 8 am on April 9.

The number of coronavirus COVID-19 infections saw a sharprise on Wednesday (April 8, 2020) with 5,734 active cases, 473 recovered and166 deaths, as per the data by Union Health Ministry at 8 am on Thursday (April9).

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, at hismeeting with other parliamentarians, hinted that the ongoing 21-day lockdownmay be extended further and that a complete exit is not possible. PM Modipointed out that the country was facing a "social emergency-likesituation" due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also cited serious economicchallenges in containing the spread of the deadly virus, according to anofficial statement.

PM Modi asserted that his government's priority is to"save each and every life", adding "The present situation is anepoch changing event in mankind's history and we must evolve to counter itsimpact." The Prime Minister is scheduled to interact with all chiefministers on April 11.