PM Modi announces 21-day countrywide lockdown from midnight, says social distancing only option against spread of COVID-19

New Delhi [India], Mar 24 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a 21-day lockdown in the entire country effective from midnight to deal with the spread of coronavirus, saying that "social distancing" is the only option to deal with the disease, which spreads rapidly.
In a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Modi said that it is vital to break the chain of the disease and experts have said that at least 21 days are needed for it.
The Prime Minister, who had also addressed the nation last week, said the lockdown has drawn a "Lakshman Rekha" in every home and people should stay indoors for their own protection and for that of their families.
Noting that the Centre has on Tuesday allocated Rs 15,000 crore for the treatment of coronavirus patients and to strengthen health infrastructure, he said testing facilities, personal protective equipment, isolation beds, ICU beds, ventilators and other necessary materials will be ramped up.
The Prime Minister said the country will have to bear the economic cost of lockdown but saving the life of every citizen is his priority and the priority of the Central and state governments as also of local administrations.
Noting that the virus spreads like fire, he said that if care is not taken for 21 days, the country, a family can go behind by 21 years.
Modi said the people are seeing how the global pandemic has made even the most resourceful countries helpless.
"The result that has come after studying the cases for two months, which experts are also saying, is that social distancing is the only effective option. There is no other way. If the spread of coronavirus is to be stopped, its cycle of spread is to be broken," he said.
He said some people have a mistaken belief that social distancing is only for the sick. "This thinking is not right. It is for every citizen, every family, every member of the family, and even for the PM," Modi said.
"Carelessness of a few people, their wrong thinking, can put you, your children, your parents, your friends and the country in a great difficulty," he said.
He said that for the past two days, the lockdown has been declared in several parts of the country and states should take it seriously.
"From 12 tonight, there will be lockdown in the entire country. To save the country, to save every citizen, a ban, a complete ban is being imposed against come out of homes. Every state, Union Territory, district, village, locality, is being locked down," he said.
Modi said it is the curfew in a way.
"It will be stricter than the Janata Curfew. My request is that stay where you are in the country. Seeing the situation of the country, the lockdown will be applicable for 21 days. The next 21 days are very important. If we go by health experts, at least 21 days are vital to breaking the cycle of coronavirus spread," he added.
Modi repeatedly urged the people to stay at home. "Do one thing - Stay at home, saying that people should remember that sometimes a person with coronavirus appears absolutely healthy. "Hence exercise precaution, stay at home," he said.
He said that it took 67 days for one lakh persons to be affected, 11 days for the figure to reach two lakhs and only four days for the figure to reach three lakhs. "The disease spreads very fast," he said.
He said this is the reason that when it started spreading in China, USA, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Iran, the situation became uncontrollable.
"What is the solution? The ray of hope is the experience from those countries who could control it to some extent. We should also think that we have only one way and that is not to come out of houses whatever happens," he said.
"India is today at a stage that our actions will determine how we are able to reduce the impact of the global pandemic. It is time to strengthen our resolve. This is the moment of patience and discipline. When the country is under lockdown, we have to implement our resolve, our word. 21-day lockdown is a long period but it is important for your protection and of your family," he said.
He urged the people to think of foot soldiers including doctors, nurses, pathologists, sanitation staff, who are providing services.
He said the Central and the state governments were working with speed to see that people are not inconvenienced in their daily lives. Modi said that he had urged states to give priority to health care services only.
He urged the people to stay away from rumours and not take medicine without the prescription from the doctor.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that every Indian will follow the instructions of district administration. He noted that people had fulfilled their responsibility for the success of Janata Curfew on March 22. (ANI)