PM addresses
the nation on COVID-19
New Delhi: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi called for a
complete lockdown of the entire nation for the next 21 days beginning at
midnight tonight in an effort to contain the COVID-19 Pandemic.
In a
special televised address to the Nation the Prime Minister said that even those
nations with the best of the medical facilities could not contain the virus and
that social distancing is the only option to mitigate it.
“All of
you are also witnessing how the most advanced countries of the world have been
rendered absolutely helpless by this pandemic. It is not that these countries
are not putting in adequate efforts or they lack resources. The Coronavirus is
spreading at such a rapid pace that despite all the preparations and efforts,
these countries are finding it hard to manage the crisis.
The
analysis of happenings in all these countries since the last two months, and
the opinion of experts has proved that there is only one way to effectively
deal with Coronavirus - Social Distancing” he said.
Cautioning
of those who are careless, the Prime Minister said, “carelessness of a few,
ill-conceived notions of a few can put you, your children, your parents, your
family, your friends, the entire country in grave jeopardy. It will be
impossible to estimate the price India will have to pay if this carelessness
continues.”
He also
urged the people to take the lockdown imposed by the State Governments in
several parts of the country, in the last few days with utmost sincerity.
The
Prime Minister announced that from midnight tonight onwards, the entire country
shall go under complete lockdown, a total ban is being imposed on people, from
stepping out of their homes for a period of 21 days.
He said
this decision was taken from the experiences of health sector experts and
experiences of other countries and that 21 days is essential to break the chain
of infection.
He
added that this will be a few levels more than Janata-Curfew, and also
stricter. He said this decision is vital in order to protect the country and
each of its citizens against the Corona Pandemic.
Discussing
the economic impact owing to the Pandemic, the Prime Minister said, “The nation
will have to certainly pay an economic cost because of this lockdown. However,
to save the life of each and every Indian is our topmost priority. Hence, It
is my plea to you to continue staying wherever you are right now in the
country.”
The
Prime Minister explained that if the situation is not brought under control in
the next 3 weeks, the country could go back 21 years and those several families would be devastated forever. Hence, he urged the people to do just one thing in
the next 21 days - to stay inside their homes.
The
Prime Minister said the experiences of those countries that have been able to
contain Corona offer some ray of hope.
He said
that those countries that observed lockdown and where people adhered to the
rules are able to surmount the pandemic.
The
Prime Minister said, “India is at a stage where our current actions will
determine how much we are able to minimize the impact of this disaster. It’s
time to consistently keep strengthening our resolve. It’s time to exercise
caution at every step. You have to remember that Jaan hai toh Jahaan hai. This
is the time for patience and discipline. Until the lockdown situation remains,
we must keep our resolve, we must keep our promise.”
The
Prime Minister said the Central and State Governments countrywide are working
swiftly to ensure that citizens do not face many inconveniences in their daily
life. He said that provisions have been made to ensure supplies of all
essential items continue smoothly. He added that along with the Central and
State Governments, individuals from civil societies and institutions are
constantly striving to reduce the problems of the poor during this period of crisis.
Shri
Modi announced that the Government has provided Rupees Fifteen Thousand Crore
(Rs 15,000,00,00,000) for strengthening the medical infrastructure and
treatment of the Corona infected patients.
He
appealed to the people to beware of any kind of rumors or superstitions
circulating during such times. He requested the people not to take any
medication without consulting doctors if you are showing any symptoms of this
infection. He expressed confidence in every Indian abiding by the instructions
of the Government and local authorities during this crucial hour.
The
Prime Minister praised every Indian who came together in the hour of crisis and
contributed with full responsibility and sensitivity to ensure the success of
Janata Curfew. He added “Through one day of Janata-Curfew, India proved that at
the time of crisis befalling our nation, at the time of crisis befalling
humanity, how each and every Indian comes together to put forth united efforts
to deal with it.”
The
Prime Minister concluded though 21 days of lockdown is a long time, it is
equally essential for your safety and that of your family. He expressed
confidence that every Indian will not only successfully fight this difficult
situation but also emerge victoriously.
