Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation on Tuesday, 24 March, said that from 12 am onward, the entire country will be on lockdown for 21 days and requested every citizen to stay at home for the time period.
PM Modi also announced that Rs 15,000 crore has been allotted for coronavirus testing facilities, personal protective equipment, ICUs, ventilators and training medical workers.
“If we won't follow the nationwide lockdown for 21 days, we will be pushed back by 21 years. With folded hands, I appeal to people not to go out of their homes,” he said.
“Social distancing is the only option to stay safe and to stop coronavirus. Stay at a distance from each other and stay inside your houses... All steps being taken by central and state government to ensure supply of essential items,” he added.
‘Janata Curfew a Success’
Hailing the ‘Janata Curfew’ as a success, he said it “showed how we Indians come together and fight against any trouble which comes before the country and the mankind.”
The decision comes amid the outbreak of the disease, that has infected almost 500 people and led to 9 deaths in India.
The total number of positive cases in Maharashtra has risen to 101, with three new cases in Pune and one in Satara, the state Health Department said on Tuesday.
In his second address prime minister Modi’s he called for a ‘Janata Curfew’ to fight the spread of coronavirus.
In his earlier address to the nation on Thursday, Modi had lauded the hard work of medical professionals, sanitation staff, airline crew, home delivery persons and media personnel among others.
Modi had asked people to express gratitude to them through a five-minute standing ovation at 5 pm on Sunday by clapping hands, beating plates or ringing bells.
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