Performance appraisal, the latest weapon in India's battle against the virus

With Modi putting Indians on a performance appraisal of sorts, the second phase of the virus lockdown could turn out different from the first.

The prize for putting up a good virus fight? Lifting/easing of restrictions in areas that curb the spread of infections well.

Addressing the nation on Tuesday, Modi announced that the state-mandated lockdown, which was due to end on April 14th, would now be effective until May 3rd. What's different about the second phase of the lockdown, however, is the incentives of doing better and trying harder to curb the spread of the coronavirus.


The next one week will be crucial in India's fight against Covid, the prime minister said, with the already strict restrictions getting harsher to stop the spread of virus in new areas of the country.

The April 20 report card
Laying emphasis on the importance of the next one week, Modi announced that coronavirus-free regions will likely enjoy fewer restrictions after April 20. Areas where people follow social distancing norms with discipline and which hold their own against the pandemic will be the first to get back to business.

"Over the next one week we will observe the social distancing norms with an even greater discipline. Till April 20 every town, district and state will be closely observed. We will make a note of the places that have successfully prevented the spread and in such areas we will give permission to resume some important services," Modi said.

Relaxations in such areas will come with riders, Modi warned. If an area is seen to be flouting the rules, and if people disregard social distancing norms, things will go back to square one.

"There will be very strict guidelines on how people step out of their homes. If those guidelines are not followed properly and coronavirus is seen to be heading towards these areas, then all permission to such places will be withdrawn," Modi said.

A detailed report on the lockdown and its guidelines will be issued on Wednesday.

This move comes at a time when the government is trying to balance containment measures to keep Covid spread in check, while also trying to reopen the economy.

India's performance so far
Commending the state governments and the people of India, Modi said that the most effective step that helped the country to stay ahead in its Covid fight, was to take early precautions.

"If we hadn't adopted a holistic and integrated approach, the situation in India would be unimaginable. The path we chose is the correct path. Social distancing and lockdown have benefited the country immensely," he added.

India started screening at airports even before there was a single case in the country. The 14-day isolation was made mandatory for international travellers even before the case count touched 100.

India's case count has crossed the 10,000-mark, with over 300 casualties reported so far. Experts have said that these numbers could have been much higher, had India not imposed the restrictions on time.