In a big relief to the common people, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed that private labs should conduct coronavirus tests free of cost, observing they need to be philanthropic in the hour of national crisis. Private labs are at present allowed to charge Rs.4,500 for screening and confirmation tests for COVID-19. A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Ravindra Bhat gave the directions on a PIL filed by advocate Shashank Deo Sudhi seeking a direction to the Centre and authorities to provide free of cost testing facility for COVID-19 to all citizens in the country. Earlier, PM Modi in a video conference with floor leaders, said it was unlikely that the nationwide lockdown would be lifted in “one go” after it ends on April 14. "The present situation is an epoch changing event in mankind's history," Modi said.