Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation over the coronavirus crisis. This was the second national broadcast within a week. On March 19, the prime minister had addressed the nation to talk about the COVID-19 menace and the need for social distancing. He had also proposed 'Janta curfew' on March 22nd, which was entirely voluntary and was very successful. However, with the fresh surge in the COVID-19 cases and 560 districts across 32 states and UTs under lockdown, there is a need to take some urgent decisions to combat the spread of the viral pandemic. In a bilingual tweet, the prime minister took to Twitter on Tuesday to inform the nation about the 8 pm broadcast. "Will address the nation at 8 PM today, 24th March 2020, on vital aspects relating to the menace of COVID-19," PM Modi said on micro-blogging site. (Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates)
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 taskforce 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.
Meanwhile, nearly 500 coronavirus cases have been reported in India so far, according to Health Ministry data on Tuesday. According to the data updated Tuesday morning, the total number of COVID-19 cases stood at 492. The figure includes at least 41 foreign nationals and the nine deaths reported so far, the Health Ministry said. The total number of active COVID-19 cases across the country now stands at 446, after over 22 fresh cases were reported. Thirty-six people have been cured/discharged/migrated, it added. As cases of the viral infection surged in the past few days, authorities have put almost the entire country under lockdown, banning gathering of people and suspending road, rail and air traffic till March 31.
(With agency inputs)
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