Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandra Sekhar Rao extended lock down till May 7^th. Speaking to the media persons on Sunday, he said that ruling out any partial relaxation from April 20 as announced by the centre, the entire State Cabinet will meet again on May 5 to review the situation.

He also said that 49 new Covid- 19 cases and three deaths registered on Sunday. The CM said this decision was taken in the larger interest of the health and lives of the people. The death rate due to Covid- 19 in Telangana is 2.44% as against 3.22% national average. He also appealed the air passengers not to come to Telangana upto May 7^th. They may plan to come from May 4^th and there will be no facilities to get conveyance and boarding.

He also said that he will also ask GMR airport authorities not to allow any passenger flights to fly into the airport upto May 7^th.  The State Government also issued orders banning food delivery by Swiggy and Zomato upto May 7^th, he referring to the Delhi case where 69 people were infected from a pizza delivery boy. However, e-Commerce stores will be able to deliver groceries, including vegetables and fruits. He also said no congregational prayers or religious festival celebrations will be allowed.

The Government will not issue permissions for marriages and functions for a month more. He urged the people please offered prayers during the month of Ramzan at homes only. The Chief Minister also said, the State Government issued orders directing private schools to not hike fees in 2020- 21. He also said to the owners of the residential properties, they should defer the rent for the March, April and May and collect it in installments. He also cautioned that this is not a request but orders under epidemic act which have to be followed. The Government decided to waive fixed power charges to all industrial units that remained shutting.

The 12 Kg free rice and Rs. 1500 for over 87 lakhs ration card holders would be given in May too. The migrant labour also eligible to get 12 Kg rice and Rs. 500 cash in May first week, he also urged the Prime Minister on Sunday, the Centre to relax FRBM limits to help states raise required funds. The economic policy is in the hands of the Centre, we need intervention of the Centre for deferment of payment of EMI’s for loans taken for Kaleshwaram and other projects, he added. CM hoped that we are expecting a positive response from the PM.