PM Modi Announces India Lockdown, Urges Country To Stay At Home For 21 Days: Top Quotes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a complete lockdown across the country for 21 days from Tuesday midnight, asserting that this is necessary for a decisive battle against the coronavirus outbreak. In his second address to the nation on the pandemic raging across much of the world, Modi said the decision will have an economic cost but saving people''s lives is of the paramount interest to his government.

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"If we don't handle these 21 days well, then our country, your family will go backwards by 21 years," he said. There will be complete bar on people from stepping outsides their homes, he said and even folded his hands to emphasise his request to citizens to adhere to the call.

Experts and the experience of countries fighting the deadly virus make it clear that the social distancing is the only way to combat the disease, he asserted.

HERE ARE THE TOP QUOTES:

1. CORONA means 'Koi Road Par Na Nikle' (No one must go out on the roads).

2. One step out of your door, beyond the "lakshman rekha", can bring in this deadly disease to your home.

3. From 12 am tonight there will be a complete lockdown across the country for 21 days.

Also Read | Coronavirus | Jaan Hai Toh Jahaan Hai: PM Modi Urges Nation Stay Indoor For Next 21 Days

4. Remember, 'jaan hai to jahaan hai' (Life comes first, all else follows).

5. Social distancing not just for the sick, it is for all, even for the Prime Minister.

6. Centre has allocated Rs 15,000 crore for fighting coronavirus.

7. We are taking all steps to ensure the continuous supply of essential commodities.

(With agency inputs)