Bengaluru: A lot of state governments, as well as experts, are requesting the Central government to extend the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, and the Centre is thinking in this direction, government sources said on Tuesday.

However, sources did not indicate if a final decision has been taken on the matter.

India is currently under the 21-day lockdown since March 25, with only essential services exempted, to contain the fast-spreading virus, which has claimed more than 75,800 lives and afflicted over 13.5 lakh people across 183 countries. 

As per Republic TV, there are two options that are in place. They are: 

1.    States that will continue to implement lockdown 

2.    States that will not continue with the lockdown 

For those states that continue to have lockdown, basic amenities like food and water will have to be provided. 

The website added that army cantonment points will be used as ration-storing points. The state government will have to provide transportation to perishable goods to districts directly from farmers. 

For those states which will be ready to open the lockdown, the government will advise them to do it in stages or in a phased manner. 

As reported by Republic TV, 

1st week: Only stand-alone shops with semi-essential products limited to food. 

2nd week: Food shops and restaurants only with home delivery.  

3rd-week: Community markets with semi-essential needs only. 

4th week: If everything under control, malls will be allowed to open. However, clubs and recreational centres will remain closed. If this scenario fails, imposition of lockdown will be considered again.

More on lockdown: 

It was on March 24 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a lockdown owing to the coronavirus spread. He had requested his countrymen not to venture out of houses until and unless necessary. 

As per his orders, the nation shut down. However, stray incidents of violations continue to be reported. 

The lockdown ends on April 14. 

While any move post this date had to be officially announced by the government, the theory doing the rounds is that the government will extend the lockdown as the spread can’t be contained without a lockdown.