The situation in the country is akin to a "social emergency" and it has necessitated tough decisions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told political leaders on the COVID-19 outbreak as he asserted that the priority of his government is to "save each and every life". PM Modi was interacting with floor leaders of opposition and other parties via video conferencing.

In his address to the state via live webcast, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday urged people to use masks while going out of their homes and appealed to former defence health services personnel, retired nurses and ward boys to join the "war" against coronavirus. About the inconvenience caused by the lockdown, he said: "we don't have any other option".

Coronavirus hotspots in 15 districts of UP where more than six cases of Covid-19 have been reported are going to be sealed till at least April 15. The 15 districts will also see greater enforcement of the lockdown with only doorstep delivery of essential items. The districts include Gautam Budh Nagar, Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi among others.

Stay up to date with the latest news, views and analysis as the number of coronavirus cases in SA increases.

The EU has repeatedly criticised the judicial reforms introduced by Poland’s Law and Justice Party.