New Delhi (NVI): As the world battles coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation tonight, saying all citizens need to contribute to check the pandemic and in this direction, called for observing 14-hour “janata curfew (people’s curfew)” on March 22.
He said the pandemic was deadlier than even the two World Wars as it has impacted more countries and cautioned the countrymen against taking it lightly.
My address to the nation. #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/w3nMRwksxJ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 19, 2020
In his 30-minute televised address, the Prime Minister urged people to exercise all precautions necessary to contain the spread of coronavirus and implement all the directives issued by the governments, be it the state or central.
“You have always heeded to me whenever I asked for something… I want your ‘sankalp’ (commitment) and ‘sanyam’ (patience)…. I will need a few weeks of yours,” Modi said to the masses.
He asked people to limit their movements to necessary activities and work from home, if possible, except in the case of government departments and emergency services.
In this regard, Prime Minister urged the citizens to observe “janata curfew” on Sunday, March 22 from 7am to 9pm.
“This will prepare us for future circumstances. I urge all state governments to help comply with this janta curfew,” he said.
“By being safe yourself, you will make a huge contribution towards fight against coronavirus,” he told the public.
While stating this, Modi recalled how certain measures, like blackouts, used to be adopted during Wars for public safety.
Besides, the PM also gave a call to people express gratitude to medical staffers, media persons and all others working amid coronavirus outbreak. “You can do this by standing at your door, window or balcony for five minutes at 5 PM on Sunday, March 22,” he said.
He appreciated the initiative of social distancing being taken in the country as well as across the world to prevent COVID-19 from spreading.
The Prime Minister said the pandemic is going to impact the economy also and announced formation of ‘COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force’ to see that economic situation doesn’t deteriorate due to coronavirus.
The Task Force, to be headed by Finance Minister, will be in touch with stakeholders and take decisions shortly in an effort to insulate the people, especially the poor ones, he said.
