New Delhi, Apr 30 (IANS): The Union Health Ministry on Thursday said that it is very clear that the concept of social distancing will stay even after lockdown is lifted.

Responding to a question at a press conference, regarding extension of the ongoing lockdown, Joint Secretary, Health, Lav Agarwal said that the ministry is coordinating with the state governments where there are more cases.

Asked what was the Health Ministry's take on extension of the lockdown, he said: "From the Health Ministry side, we are very clear that we have to ensure that the concept of physical distancing is adapted as behavioural change in our day to day life so that we can break the chain of transmission. It is equally important to focus on containment measures."

Agarwal also said: "Although we have success but we have concerns also therefore we are coordinating with states and where more cases are reported, we are stressing on physical distancing."

He said that 1,718 new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 33,050. "630 patients have been cured in the country in the last 24 hours. The recovery rate is now 25.19 per cent which was earlier 13.06 per cent 14 days before. A progressive recovery rate has been observed."