Covid-19: Odisha becomes the first state to extend lockdown till April 30

Patnaik said the state has also urged the Centre to stop train and flight services to Odisha till April 30.

The Odisha government on Thursday decided to extend the ongoing lockdown in the state till April 30 to effectively contain the spread of coronavirus. The decision comes amid growing speculations over extending the nationwide shutdown beyong April 14 to counter the pandemic. 

Schools and other education institutions will remain closed till June 17, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced after a video conference with his ministers.

"We have decided to extend the lockdown period till April 30 and a recommendation in this regard will be sent to the Centre," he said in a video message.

Patnaik said the state