Addressing the nation 2nd time in 5 days, the Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi today, i.e., Tuesday, March 24, 2020, announced complete lockdown across the country for 21 days starting midnight today.
In a televised speech, Modi began his address by thanking the people of India for making the ‘Janata Curfew’ on Sunday, March 22, 2020 a big success. While declaring the complete lockdown across country, Modi specified that it is the only solution left to combat the COVID-19. The essential services will continue to function during the lockdown.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will issue guidelines of “effective measures and exceptions” to essential services during the 21-day nationwide lockdown. There will be an MHA 24/7 hotline to assist the States during this period.
My fellow citizens,
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED TO PANIC.
Essential commodities, medicines etc. would be available. Centre and various state governments will work in close coordination to ensure this.
Together, we will fight COVID-19 and create a healthier India.
Jai Hind!
Speaking on the occasion, Modi said, “I urge you to forget the outside world for these 21 days. Forget every work except the work of staying at home. With this order, we have drawn a ‘lakshman rekha’ around your house from now onwards.”
Putting the example of Italy and United States (U.S.), Modi said that these nations have best of the healthcare infrastructure and services. But the COVID-19 is so deadly that despite having the medical might, these developed nations are finding it difficult to cope up with outbreak.
He iterated that we need to learn one thing from these nations who have been fighting with the outbreak for the past 2 months and that is ‘SOCIAL DISTANCING’. In order to break the chain, we need to stay home. He also clarified that social distancing is not only for those who have been tested positive with the virus. It is for all of us. Any carelessness in exercising self- restrain, will take the country nation pay a heavy cost and will take India 21 years back.
By converging around shops, you are risking the spread of COVID-19.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020
No panic buying please.
Please stay indoors.
I repeat- Centre and State Governments will ensure all essentials are available. https://t.co/bX00az1h7l
He even said that it is the responsibility of Prime Minister, Central Government and State Governments to give top priority to the people of India. He clearly asked the people to stay wherever they are and not to travel as it will ruin many families in the country.
Sharing insights, he said that patients of COVID-19 look normal initially. It is difficult to make out if they are having COVID-19. During this phase, he continues to meet people around him. This is how, the virus spreads abnormally. The virus is so deadly that it gets transmitted to hundreds of people in 1 week.
He further said that as per World Health Organisation (WHO), it usually takes 67 days for COVID-19 to infect 1 lakh people. After that, it takes only 11 days to infect another 1 lakh people. Subsequently, in next 4 days, the total count reaches from 2 lakhs to 3 lakhs.
Modi asked the people of India to stay at home and pray for the people in essential services who are working day and night to treat the patients of COVID-19. He said we must be thankful to doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, pathologies, etc. for their endless efforts in combating COVID-19.
He also announced a Rs. 15,000 crores package for strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in India. The funds will be used to develop testing kits, personal protective equipment, isolation beds, ICU beds, ventilators and for providing training to the medical fraternity.
Not to forget he expressed gratitude to media people too who are working hard to create awareness and sharing updates on the outbreak.
In the end, he expressed confidence that with the cooperation of all the people India will emerge as winner by defeating the COVID-19.
Post his address, Modi tweeted, “My fellow citizens, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED TO PANIC. Essential commodities, medicines etc. would be available. Centre and various state governments will work in close coordination to ensure this. Together, we will fight COVID-19 and create a healthier India. Jai Hind!”
Addressing the nation on battling the COVID-19 menace. #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/jKyFMOQO5a
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020
Earlier in the day, Modi announced on twitter that he would be addressing the nation tonight. He tweeted (in both Hindi and English), “वैश्विक महामारी कोरोना वायरस के बढ़ते प्रकोप के संबंध में कुछ महत्वपूर्ण बातें देशवासियों के साथ साझा करूंगा। आज, 24 मार्च रात 8 बजे देश को संबोधित करूंगा। Will address the nation at 8 PM today, 24th March 2020, on vital aspects relating to the menace of COVID-19.”
