New Delhi, April 15: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) issued a statement on Wednesday to categorically deny a media report which alleged lack of consultation between the Centre and the COVID-19 task force. The report, carried by a leading magazine, claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not consult the task force before his key announcements on April 14, which included the extension of lockdown till May 3.

The COVID-19 task force was constituted last month and comprises of 21 top scientists of India. The panel is mandated to recommend the government on the course of action to be adopted for containing the transmission of coronavirus in the nation.

A report in Caravan Magazine claimed that the week-period leading to the April 14 announcements by PM Modi saw no meeting of the task force being convened by the government. The report attributes its claim to four members of the task force, whom the journalist claims to have spoken on condition of anonymity.

Statement Issued by ICMR

"There is a media report which makes false claims about the COVID-19 Task Force. The fact is that the task force met 14 times in the last month and all decisions taken involve the members of the task force. Please avoid such conjectures," the ICMR said, after taking cognisance of the report.

In the set of announcements made by Modi on April 14, he announced that the lockdown - while remaining in effect till May 3 - would be relaxed from April 20 onwards in areas which succeed in the fight against coronavirus. Essential economic activities would be allowed in regions with no COVID-19 hotspots, he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 15, 2020 02:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).