Amaravati, April 14 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has called for strict implementation of Covid-19 guidelines in the state.

The AP Chief Minister's statement came in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation on Tuesday morning, in which he announced to extend the nationwide lockdown to fight Covid-19 till May 3.

Earlier on Saturday and later on Monday, the Chief Minister had requested the Prime Minister for continuation of the lockdown only in zones that are worst affected by Covid-19 while allowing agriculture and aqua activities in the state.

Addressing the district collectors and superintendents of police during a video conference on Tuesday, Reddy emphasised that social distancing should be implemented strictly and daily essential goods should be made available to the people every day at a specified time.

He instructed the officials to minimise public gatherings and said essential goods should be delivered at the doorsteps in the hotspots and the red zone areas.

He also instructed the officials to ensure that aqua products are purchased at the price fixed by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), while ensuring that processing units and exports are functional.

Officials who attended the conference said that the Chief Minister wants to introduce an ordinance to stabilise the seed and feed sector.

With the 21-day national lockdown coming to an end on Tuesday, the Prime Minister addressed the nation in the morning and announced extension of the lockdown till May 3. While giving some relief to the farming community, the Prime Minister also indicated that conditions could be relaxed in areas that are less affected from April 20 onwards.

Andhra Pradesh has reported 493 positive cases till Tuesday morning.

The Chief Minister, while assuring full support to the Prime Minister's initiatives to tackle the coronavirus menace, has been requesting for selective relaxation of Covid-19 guidelines to facilitate revenue generation through agri and aqua activities.

The Central government is expected to issue detailed guidelines in this matter on Wednesday.

--IANS

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