Addressing the nation for the second time in less than a week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a nationwide lockdown starting midnight to contain the novel coronavirus. The duration of the lockdown will be 21 days, added Modi.
Explaining the reason behind this major step, Modi said that it was necessitated due to the severity of the situation. The total cases of coronavirus have surpassed 500 in India.
Reiterating the importance of social distancing, he said, we can only prevent new cases and contain the virus through it. India may have to pay a big price due to the negligence of a few. “To stop coronavirus, stay at a distance from each other, and stay inside your houses,” he said. He also added, “There should be only 20 people at the funeral”.
In an extreme step, PM Modi announced a nationwide lockdown, starting midnight, to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the country, PM Modi said that every state, every district, and every village are under lockdown for the next 21 days.
Modi announced Rs 15000 crores fund to test coronavirus, isolation beds, ventilators, and other essential facilities needed to battle this virus. Experts and the experience of countries fighting the deadly virus make it clear that social distancing is the only way to combat the disease, PM asserted.
By converging around shops, you are risking the spread of COVID-19.
No panic buying please.
Please stay indoors.
I repeat- Centre and State Governments will ensure all essentials are available. https://t.co/bX00az1h7l
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020