Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the 19th of March at 8:00 P.M., addressed the nation regarding the situation of the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19.
During his speech to the nation, PM Modi called for a Janata Curfew (Public Curfew) on the 22nd of March from 7:00 A.M., to 9:00 P.M.
Mr. Modi in his 30 minute speech through the television medium, briefed the citizens about the virus and the measures taken to prevent the spread across the Nation.
Mr. Modi said, “Our experience of Janata Curfew will help us chart the way ahead for tackling coronavirus in India.”
In addition, Mr. Modi asked Indian citizens to come to their windows and balconies at 5:00 P.M., on the 22nd of March to pay gratitude to the ones who were in the forefront and was serving us bravely. The gratitude includes vendors, media persons, police, security officials, bus/taxi/auto drivers, government officials and others. To show respect, citizens were asked to ring the doorbell or clap for five minutes for the ones who serve us during the hard times when everyone is quarantined.
The Prime Minister also announced the creation of ‘Covid-19 Economic Response Task Force’ under the Union Finance Minister.
Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister, is also scheduled to meet with the Ministers for Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries, Civil Aviation, and Tourism on the 20th of March to discuss and access the impact of Covid-19.
The Covid-19 Economic Response Task Force will consult the stakeholders and take feedback, on the basis of which decisions would be taken to meet the challenges.
Considering the sufferings of the daily wage labour and working class people, Mr. Modi urged the business community and higher income groups to take care of them and try to fulfil their basic needs .
In addition, Mr. Modi also spoke about the rumours of shortage of food and assured there would not be any such essential items like food, milk, medicines etc.
Opposition parties extended support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to fight the pandemic disease COVID-19. However, the opposition parties asked the Modi Government to give out a proper plan to tackle the situation.
The deadly Coronavirus killed 9,000 people and infected approximately 2 lakh people till date, globally.
Stay tuned for further updates about COVID-19.
