“Janata Curfew” on 22 March from 7 AM to 9 PM to tackle Corona: PM Modi

March 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the nation at 8 PM on Thursday sought the cooperation of the countrymen in fighting coronavirus and lists measures . On 22nd March, 2020 (Sunday),PM Modi urged upon the people of the country to impose self restraint which he termed as “Janata Curfew” from 7 AM to 9 PM. On that day, all should stay indoors. “People should observe ‘janata curfew’, which means it is a curfew imposed on people, by themselves, for themselves,” Modi said.

PM appealed to the people of India and said “In the coming two days (Friday & Saturday), each one of us should atleast spread this message of ‘Janata Curfew’ to atleast 10 people each day so that by Sunday 130 crore people of India observes this self-imposed curfew.”

PM Modi urged upon the people not to panic and not to hoard any commodities in their homes. There is enough store of essential commodities in the country. He said, “We have to devote all our energies to fight this global pandemic in our own way. World is healthy, when we are healthy. We should avoid crowds and stay at home and follow social distancing”, said the Prime Minister.

PM Modi: Restrain is compulsory to protect ourselves and remain healthy. I request that for the coming weeks people should go out of their homes only if essential. https://t.co/vU7VeaEDWq

— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2020

“You have always given me what I’ve asked for, and today I am here to ask for your time over the next few weeks. It is necessary for every citizen of India to be aware and cautious about the COVID-19 infection, over the next few weeks,” Narendra Modi said.

“On Sunday, while you are observing the ‘janata curfew’, at 5 pm, for five minutes, we must stand outside our houses or on our balconies and clap for those in essential jobs working for us during this pandemic,” Modi said of professionals like doctors, nurses, medical staff, and others.

Giving the example of a ‘blackout’ during times of war, Modi appealed to people to exercise caution regarding the novel coronavirus pandemic and said that citizens over 60-65 years must not step out of their homes. Narendra Modi said that “resolution and restraint” were the most important principles in fighting the novel coronavirus pandemic. “Resolution and restraint is very important in combat against this global epidemic. As citizens, people need to strengthen their resolve to follow the advisories issues by state and central governments to fight,” he said.

The coronavirus pandemic has also affected economies across the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, adding that the Centre has constituted a ‘COVID-19 economic task force’ which will take decisions regarding the economy in the duration of fighting the pandemic. He also appealed to people to give those in service like domestic helps to take days off, and also not cut their pay if they are not able to come to work. Modi also strongly advocated the measure of social distancing, and advised staying away from crowds. He also said that companies must allow employees to work from.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that while world powers are struggling with the coronavirus pandemic, developing countries like India will find it a big challenge to tackle and curb the infections. “You might think that you are fine and you will continue to roam around, but that is not right according to me. You have a responsibility to your fellow citizens to take care,” he said.

PM Modi also cautioned against complacency about the coronavirus. “It is very important for every Indian to be alert and aware about the coronavirus guidelines and others,” he added.

On Thursday, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India rises to 173 (including 25 foreigners). Maharashtra has the highest number of cases at 44.