Cautioning people to be ready for a “long fight” against Covid-19, PM Modi told his ministers to make plans for slowly exiting the ongoing lockdown as the number of coronavirus cases in India crossed the 4,000-mark.

The death toll due to the novel coronavirus pandemic rose to 111 and the number of infections climbed to 4,281 in the country on Monday registering a record jump of 704 cases in 24 hours, according to Union Health Ministry data.

The active Covid-19 cases stood at 3,851, while 318 people were either cured or discharged and one had migrated, the ministry stated.

Cautioning people to be ready for a “long fight” against Covid-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told his ministers to make plans for slowly exiting the ongoing lockdown and to contain the economic impact of the deadly virus pandemic, including by reducing dependence on other countries.

States suggest lockdown will continue

The Union Health Ministry indicated the disease is in “localised community transmission” stage with a large number of cases being found in some particular areas, amid indications that some areas including in Uttar Pradesh may not see a full exit from the lockdown.

Telangana government asked the Centre to consider extending the lockdown, while Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said no one should be under the impression of the complete lifting of lockdown in the state after April 15. Assam government hinted at a permit system for people wanting to enter the state after the lockdown ends on April 14.

A group of senior central government officers also met to discuss all strategic issues related to the lockdown, including a graded exit plan and sector-wise impact assessment and demand.

PM Modi holds virtual cabinet meet

Addressing his council of ministers in a video conference, Modi asked them to prepare business continuity plans to fight the economic impact of Covid-19 on a war footing, but also asserted that this crisis is an opportunity to boost the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative and reduce dependence on other countries.

He also indicated a phased emergence from the lockdown and said that “a graded plan to slowly open departments, where hotspots aren’t existing, should be made”.

“This is going to be a long fight. We don’t have to tire or feel defeated. We have to win in this long battle. We have to emerge victoriously. Today, the nation’s goal, mission and resolve are one, and this is to be victorious in this battle against the coronavirus pandemic,” Modi said.