Odisha extends lockdown till April 30 as India confirmed cases near 6000

According to the Health Ministry, the total number of coronavirus cases rose to 5734 on Thursday, registering an increase of 540 new cases in the last 24 hours, while the death toll stood at 166.

So far, 473 people have recovered.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday interacted with floor leaders of various parties, including the opposition, in Parliament to discuss the situation arising out of the spread of coronavirus.

In the interaction, PM Modi suggested that the nationwide lockdown has the possibility of extending and restrictions will not be lifted in one go after April 14 as the cases are increasing at a gradual pace in India.

In a big development, the Supreme Court ordered Centre to conduct COVID-19 tests in approved government labs or private labs free of cost.

Meanwhile, Mumbai, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir have made wearing masks compulsory when stepping out.