Ahead of the Centre releasing guidelines for the fourth phase of lockdown, several states have decided to extend the lockdown till May 31.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the lockdown would be extended after May 17 but hinted at easing out curbs. He had said that the central government would soon release the guidelines for the extended period of lockdown.

"Scientists say that Corona will be a part of our lives for a very long time. But we can't let our lives remain confined around Corona. We will wear masks and maintain social distancing but we will not let it affect us. So lockdown 4 will be in a new form with new rules," PM Modi had said.

However, several states have extended the lockdown till May 31, ahead of the Home Ministry guidelines. Here's the complete list of states where lockdown has been extended:

Mizoram

Mizoram was the first state in India to extend the lockdown till May 31. A state official had said that the decision was taken after various political parties and several organisations, including those of NGOs, churches and doctors, favoured extension of the lockdown at a meeting on Thursday.

Punjab

Punjab also extended the lockdown till May 31 on Saturday. The Chief Minister said in its suggestions to the Union Home Minister, as sought by the Prime Minister, the state had recommended that the nationwide lockdown, in a relaxed form, should also be extended to May 31.

Maharashtra

While issuing the order of extension, the Maharashtra government said that the calibrated phase-wise relaxation or lifting of lockdown orders will be notified in due course.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu's decision to extend the lockdown came just hours after Maharashtra, the worst-hit state in India, extended the restrictions till May 31 amid the surging number of coronavirus cases.

Karnataka:

The Karnataka government on Sunday extended the lockdown for two more days till May 19 The guidelines and norms as followed during coronavirus lockdown 3.0 will remain in place till 19th midnight or till further notice, it said.

PTI