PM Modi Declares Total Coronavirus Lockdown For 21 Days Across India, Tells Nation Not To Panic

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced total lockdown across India starting from 12 am tonight to fight the coronavirus pandemic. 'Stay home, stay home, stay home,' said the prime minister in his second national broadcast in last seven days. the coronavirus lockdown will be in force for the next 21 days. "It will be like janta curfew, but a little tougher than that," PM Modi said. He also stressed on the point that in case India doesn't observe this 21-day lockdown, the nation will go back for 21 years. "You have to remember that a coronavirus-infected person initially appears to be normal and doesn't show symptoms. So maintain precautions and stay at home," PM Modi said while showing a poster with a message about social distancing on live TV. "No matter what happens, we must stay at home. From Prime Minister to someone living in the village, entire country must adhere to corona lockdown," PM Modi said. "Practice patience and discipline - jaan hai to jahaan hai," PM Modi said as he appealed to the citizens on this country. He asked people to think about those doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, pathologists who are risking their lives. (PM Modi's Address To Nation: LIVE UPDATES)

PM Narendra Modi's announcement for 21-day lockdown to fight coronavirus pandemic comes as the number of confirmed cases rose to 519 with 10 deaths reported so far.  With folded hands, he urged India to stay indoor. He said that this lockdown is like a 'Lakshman Rekha' and nobody should cross it. He stressed on the point of how crucial these next 21 days are in India's battle against COVID-19 disease. "All essential services to continue and remain functional. List of essential services remains unchanged since the March 22nd 'Janta Curfew'," PM Modi said. "Don't believe in rumours and superstitions; don't take any medicines without consulting doctors." he further said.

During his March 19 address, PM Modi had urged the citizens to stay vigilant and make the society aware of the danger of coronavirus. He had also asked people to not pay heed to rumours and buy large stocks of groceries. "I appeal to all not to go into panic buying to store essential commodities. Steps being taken to ensure that there is no scarcity of essential commodities. I assure the countrymen that all step are being taken to ensure that there is no shortage of essential goods like milk, food items and medicines," he had said. PM Modi had also announced the task force to fight the corona crisis. "Keeping in mind the economic challenges arising out of the Corona epidemic, the government led by the Finance Minister has a decided to constitute a Covid-19-Economic Response Task Force. The task force will remain in regular touch with all stakeholders, take their feedback and make decisions accordingly," PM Modi had said.

 

(With agency inputs)