Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday while addressing the nation on the COVID-19 situation announced the fourth phase of lockdown.

The fourth phase of the lockdown will be different from the previous ones.

The announcement for lockdown 4.0 will be made before May 18.

"Lockdown 4 will be different and have new rules; you will be informed about it before May 18," he added.

This was prime minister's fifth address to the nation, including a video message, following the outbreak of COVID-19.

In his virtual meet with chief ministers on Monday, Modi said the challenges are two-fold -- reduction of the transmission rate of the novel coronavirus and gradual increase in public activities while adhering to all guidelines.

The Centre and states will have to work towards achieving the twin objectives, he said.

In his March 19 address, the prime minister announced a "janta curfew" on March 22. On March 24, he announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown. On April 14, he extended the lockdown period till May 3. On April 3, in a video message, Modi asked the nation to light lamps for frontline corona warriors on April 5.

The lockdown was further extended till May 17 by the home ministry.