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India is under increasing pressure to institute a national lockdown in the face of its relentless COVID-19 crisis, according to reports.
Indian shopkeepers assure police personnel of their compliance with government COVID restrictions. Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesDr. Randeep Guleria, a government health official, said the situation calls for complete lockdown, especially where the positivity rate exceeds 10 percent, the Associated Press reported.
Members of Bhartiya Kisan Union-Ekta Ugrahan faction demonstrate against COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and asked shopkeepers to re-open their stores. Sameer Sehgal/Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesA Congress opposition leader, Rahul Gandhi, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also calling for a complete lockdown.
While there are protests against lockdowns, government health official Dr. Randeep Guleria has called for a shutdown of India. Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesIn the Friday letter, Gandhi also warned “the human cost will result in many more tragic consequences for our people,” and pushed for the government to feed the poor.
Even America’s top COVID-19 official weighed in, with Dr. Anthony Fauci recommending a total shutdown for between two and four weeks in India.
Police personnel stand guard along a street during the weekend lockdown imposed by the state government in in Amritsar. AFP via Getty Images