WHO lauds 'tough, timely' actions to check virus as lockdown gets extension

PM Modi on Tuesday said the implementation of the lockdown will be strictly ensured in the coming days to ensure that the virus does not spread to new areas

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday lauded "India's tough and timely actions" against the coronavirus after Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a nationwide lockdown till May 3.

"It may be early to talk about results in numbers, but a six-week nationwide lockdown to facilitate effective physical distancing, coupled with the expansion of core public health measures such as detection, isolation and tracing contact of coronavirus positive people, would go a long way in arresting the virus spread," PTI quoted WHO's South-East Asia Regional Director, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh as saying.

"Despite huge and multiple challenges, India has been demonstrating