Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla has told all state governments directing them not to violate the Centre's lockdown orders. This diktat came after Kerala lifted curbs on some activities including restaurants. The Centre wrote to Kerala government after it allowed lifting of some activities which is in violation of the guidelines issued by the Home Ministry. The Kerala government had on April 17 circulated revised guidelines for lockdown measures allowing opening of activities which are prohibited in its order. These include, the opening of local workshops, barber shops, and restaurants.
India reported 36 more COVID-19 deaths in past 24 hours taking the toll to 543 while, the total number of confirmed cases have crossed the 17,000 mark. Yesterday, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has announced extension of the coronavirus lockdown till May 7. He said the lockdown will be enforced in a stringent manner, and the food delivery mobile applications will not be allowed starting Monday.