(15 Apr 2020) The usually bustling streets in New Delhi's commercial district were deserted Wednesday as India began the second phase of the world's largest coronavirus lockdown, aimed to prevent the spread of the virus from surging and overwhelming the country's already strained health care system.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the lockdown on Tuesday to contain the spread of coronavirus as the caseload crossed 10,000 with 377 reported deaths.
India's 1.3 billion people have been ordered to continue to largely stay inside until May 3, but officials said some restrictions away from infection hotspots would be eased on April 20 to help poor people dependent upon daily wages.
With businesses shuttered and passenger transport suspended, tens of thousands of jobless migrant workers across the country have been demanding that special trains be run to take them to their hometowns and villages in northern India.
Authorities in many states have been arranging for food supplies and rations for the poor with the help of aid groups.
Government officials in Uttar Pradesh were assembling food packages for poor families on Tuesday in Prayagraj.
The packages contained staples such as potatoes, lentils rice and masala packets.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.
But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by those with mild or no visible symptoms.
For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.
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