18 May

The Indian government has extended its nationwide lockdown to May 31. But it now allows states to ease restrictions and reopen some businesses in areas with low numbers of infections.

The federal government announced the two-week extension on Sunday, the day the lockdown was to end.

The move came as the country recently recorded about 4,000 new infections per day. The cumulative figure has surpassed 90,000.

Late last month, the government shifted its policy to allow for the relaxing of rules in phases as the lockdown had seriously affected the nation's economy and left many people jobless.

It also said on Sunday that it would allow retail shops and other businesses in areas with low infection figures to reopen, except for large commercial facilities and entertainment complexes.

Starting on Monday, states can gradually relax restrictions, depending on their situations. They can also decide how they will ease restrictions.

NHK