Dharamsala, May 1 (IANS): The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) on Friday announced to extend lockdown in its settlements and offices across India for 80 days and asked outsiders to avoid visiting this Himachal Pradesh town for the safety of the Dalai Lama and others amid pandemic.

CTA President Lobsang Sangay asked the Tibetans in exile to continue to observe lockdown in schools, monasteries, old-age homes and settlements across India as official lockdown by the Indian government is set to be lifted on May 3, an official statement said.

He advised Tibetans in settlements not to venture out to the cities especially the hotspots.

Most importantly, those currently outside Dharamsala, the abode of the Dalai Lama, are strictly urged not to visit Dharamsala in May keeping in view the safety of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the CTA.

Sangay lauded the relief initiatives led by various monasteries and organisations towards helping the needy and those affected during this crisis.

He asked volunteers doing relief work to maintain social distancing during the distribution of ration supplies which could lead to crowds and increase the risk of contracting the disease.

The Harvard educated Sangay is heading the Tibetan exile administration based in this northern Indian hill town.