PM Modi addresses the nation : Janata Curfew on Sunday and crucial next few weeks

On March 19, 2020 at 8 pm in a televised address to the nation, PM Narendra Modi explained some facts about coronavirus and COVID-19. He went on to ask some stringent measures from general public and explained why the next few weeks are going to be critical in India.

Highlights of the speech

• This is the first time, humanity is facing a crisis of epic proportions. Even during World Wars only a few countries were affected.
• In the past two months, 130 crore citizen of this country has done an incredible job in containing this virus by following basic precautions. But just when we feel that things are in control, the virus infections rebound in an exponential manner. Next few weeks are extremely crucial to contain the spread of COVID-19.
• We all need to stay alert and take greatest precautions. India has a large population and it is not possible to test each and every person and isolate but we are keeping a close watch on the situation. As citizens, we cannot assume that India will not be affected by this pandemic.
• As the leader of the second most populous country in the world, PM brought out the importance of night curfew drills done by administration in the past. Blackouts were practiced so that people are aware about what to do in case war breaks out. PM as a first initiative announced Janata Curfew on Sunday, 22 March 202 from 7 am to 9 pm.
• During this curfew, people are advised to stay home. PM in the same breath lauded the efforts of health workers, essential services, govt officials from administration who are out there doing their work. He asked the citizen of India to applaud the efforts of these people by ringing in some noise at 5 pm on the same day to stand solidarity with these people who are leaving their houses & putting their lives at risk.
• There is going to be an atmosphere of fear and citizen are requested not be believe in rumors. It is going to be the top most priority of govt to ensure essential goods and services are made available. So people are requested not to go in for panic buying.
• It is your duty to ensure that hospitals are not unnecessarily burdened. Visit a hospital only if you absolutely need to. If you have scheduled an elective surgery, explore the possibility of postponing it.
• With no cure or vaccine till date, the PM requested all people to follow advisories issued by the govt from time to time. At this point, maintaining social distance avoiding going out is the best possible defense mechanism against the spread of this virus.