Covid-19: Modi announces 'Janta Curfew' in India on March 22

In wake of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, which has also affected India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged the people of the country to opt for a 'Janata Curfew' on Sunday from 7am to 9pm.

In a special address to the nation, Modi said: "Today I am requesting the people of the country for a Janata curfew, on March 22, this Sunday, from between 7am to 9pm.

"...This is public curfew. Janata curfew means for the public, curfew imposed on public by themselves."
He urged people to follow this 'curfew', not go out on the streets or even gather in their societies and stay inside their homes.

The Prime Minister further urged people above the age of 60 should avoid going out in the coming weeks.

Sharing an instance from the past, he said: "Might be the present generation is not aware... when there were a situation of war, and villages were blacked out and the glass of the windows was darkened. People use to take precautions and even in case the there was no war, the local administration carried out a drill regularly."
The Prime Minister also urged the people to follow the instructions issued by the state governments.

"Today everyone has to take a resolve to not get infected by the Covid-19 and also save others from getting Covid-19. In such a pandemic case, only one mantra works, if we are healthy, then the entire world is healthy," he said.
He added, "On March 22, at 5 pm clock, we should stand on our doorways, balconies and windows and clap our hands as well as ring bells for five minutes to salute and encourage them for their services in such testing times.

At a time when there is no medicine have been made for the disease, the only thing to stay safe is restraint, he said. "Don't go in the crowds, avoid going out and what today is being called social distancing in the era of Covid-19 is very useful," Modi added.

"Our resolve and restraint is going to play very important role in fighting Covid-19."

The Prime Minister also said that if one thinks that by roaming on the streets is safe, then it is not good. "By doing so you will do injustice to your near ones. I urge the people of the country for coming weeks, whenever it is very necessary then only come out," he added.

India on Thursday registered 22 fresh cases of Covid-19 taking the total number of affected persons to 173. At least four people have died, one each from Punjab, Karnataka, Delhi and Maharashtra.

(With inputs from Dhanusha Gokulan)