Stay Home, Don’t Go Out Unless Necessary: PM’s Advice on COVID-19

File image of PM Narendra Modi. 

(Photo: IANS) 

Addressing the nation on the coronavirus outbreak on Thursday, 19 March, PM Narendra Modi said that amid the coronavirus crisis, it is very important for every Indian to remain aware and alert.

Stating that the government was keeping a close track on the outbreak, PM Modi said that for a developing country like India with a large population, the growing challenge of coronavirus is not a normal situation.

PM Advises Practising Social Distancing

PM Modi also pointed out that since no cure or vaccine had yet been discovered to battle the virus, social distancing was extremely important and effective in reducing its impact.

Keeping this in mind, PM Modi urged the people of the country to try and stay at home for the next few weeks as much as possible and not got outside unless absolutely necessary. He also specially requested people above the age of 60 years to not leave their homes.

“Restrain is compulsory to protect ourselves and remain healthy. I request that for the coming weeks people should go out of their homes only if essential,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also added that people need to resolve that they will follow advice of central and state governments in this period of crisis.

PM Modi also informed the country that on 22 March, from 7 am to 9 pm, all citizens, barring those in essential services, should follow a ‘Janata Curfew’ and not leave their homes.

The PM also urged people to inform as many people about the upcoming curfew and other measures to prevent coronavirus.

Postpone Checkups, Elective Surgeries & Don’t Hoard: PM Modi

Additionally, PM Modi requested people of the nation to postpone elective surgeries by a month and avoid routine check-ups to ease pressure on health services as much as possible.

He also warned against hoarding of food and other essential items, assuring Indians that steps were being taken to ensure that there is no scarcity of essential commodities in the country.

Speaking about those who had been involved in fighting the coronavirus outbreak in India for the last two months, by working day and night in hospitals, airports, etc, PM Modi suggested that on 22 March , at 5 pm, Indians should stand on their doorways, balconies or windows and clap their hands and ring bells for a period of five minutes to salute and encourage these workers.

Additionally, PM Modi also announced the creation of a COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force under the Finance Minister, which he said would remain in regular touch with all stakeholders, take their feedback and make decisions accordingly amid the coronavirus outbreak.

India has reported a total of 173 confirmed coronavirus cases so far, including 25 foreign nationals, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.

PMO Chaired Meet on Wednesday

The PMO on Wednesday said Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus.

"Ways to further strengthen India's preparedness were discussed. This includes further enhancing testing facilities," it said.

The prime minister has emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking out mechanisms to fight the coronavirus menace.

He has also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next.

The prime minister has been regularly taking to social media, urging people to prepare themselves but not panic. He has supported the idea of avoiding non-essential travel and limiting gatherings to check the spread of the virus.

Modi has also expressed gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating coronavirus including the various state governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with aviation sector, municipal staff and others.

Earlier this week, he participated in a video conference of SAARC leaders to prepare a joint strategy to tackle the pandemic.

The government had on Tuesday banned the entry of passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia to India with immediate effect, according to an additional travel advisory.

This instruction is a temporary measure and shall be in force till March 31 and will be reviewed subsequently.

The government has also banned the entry of passengers from the European Union countries, Turkey and the United Kingdom from 18 till 31 March to check the spread of the virus.

(With inputs from PTI.)