PM calls for ‘Janata curfew’ on March 22 over ’COVID-19 pandemic’
Mangalore Today News Network
New Delhi, Mar 19, 2020: As the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation. He made a fervent appeal to all Indians to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid getting infected by coronavirus, saying the world has never seen a danger as grave as this.
He called for ‘Janata curfew’ on March 22 between 7 am and 9 pm, saying no citizen, barring those in essential services, should get out of house.
“Even World War I and II did not affect as many countries as coronavirus has done,” Mr. Modi said in a national broadcast. Asking people to sacrifice “some weeks of yours, some time of yours”, Modi said given that coronavirus has no cure yet, the only way to stay safe is to stay indoors.
“I request all people in country to get out of house only when it is extremely necessary, try and do all work from home,” he said.
The Prime Minister also wanted the nation to applaud at 5 pm on March 22 the selfless work of essential services personnel.
India has reported a total of 173 confirmed coronavirus cases so far, including 25 foreign nationals, the Health Ministry has said on Thursday
The global death toll from COVID-19 has crossed 8,000, with over 200,000 infections.
Resolve and patience key in combating COVID-19
In his address to the nation over the novel coroanvirus outbreak on Thursday, PM Modi made the following remarks:
“To deal with coronavirus, no definite solution has been found, nor has any vaccine produced.”
“A view has emerged in last few days that all is well, this mindset is not correct.”
“Social distancing extremely important and effective in reducing impact of coronavirus.”
“Every above 60 or 70 should not leave their homes.”
“I request all people in country to get out of house only when it is extremely necessary, try and do all work from home.”
“If possible, please call at least 10 people every day and tell them about the ’Janta Curfew’ as well as the measures to prevent the outbreak."
“Postpone elective surgeries by a month, avoid routine check-ups to ease pressure on health services.”
“On 22 March at 5 pm, we should thank people like doctors, medical personnel, cleaning staff, for their service.”
“I appeal to all not to go into panic buying to store essential commodities. Steps are being taken to ensure that there is no scarcity of essential commodities.”
“Keeping in mind economic challenges arising out of coronavirus, government has decided to form COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force.”