Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the country at 8 pm on Tuesday night amid rising cases of Coronavirus in the country. PM Modi has announced the entire lockdown across the country from 12 pm tonight. After addressing the nation, PM Modi tweeted and said, “My countrymen, there is no need to panic. Shops of essential goods and medicines will remain open. Central and state governments are working together to ensure this. Together we will fight Covid-19 and create a healthy India. Jai Hind!
My fellow citizens,
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED TO PANIC.
Essential commodities, medicines etc. would be available. Centre and various state governments will work in close coordination to ensure this.
Together, we will fight COVID-19 and create a healthier India.
Jai Hind!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020
By converging around shops, you are risking the spread of COVID-19.
No panic buying please.
Please stay indoors.
I repeat- Centre and State Governments will ensure all essentials are available. https://t.co/bX00az1h7l
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020
Also, The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a guideline regarding essential services, effective measures and exceptions during the 21-day lockdown. This guideline states which services will remain operational during these 21 days.
Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines for the 21-day lockdown, list of essential services that will remain open. #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/hwRgWEM88z
— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020
Read and know what services will continue and what will be stopped during these 21 days of lockdown.
What will be opened?
–Medical stores, medical equipment shops food items, ration fruits, vegetables, dairy, milk, meat, fish and fodder, etc. and government ration shops, path labs will remain open.
–Hospitals and other related medical institutions, production and allocation units, private and government sector dispensaries, chemists, labs, clinics, nursing homes, and ambulances, etc. will continue to function. Health workers, nurses, paramedical staff and other employees will be allowed to be transported.
–People will be allowed to visit the doctor and come home from the hospital.
–Essential services like pay troll, CNG, LPG, PNG will remain open.
–Power generation, electricity distribution will also continue uninterrupted.
–Employees working in the power department will also be allowed to go to work.
–Private security services will also continue.
–Banks, Insurance Offices and ATMs will remain open.
–Print and electronic media will be functional.
–Delivery of all essential commodities like food, medicines, medical devices through e-commerce will continue.
–Petrol pumps, LPG, Petroleum, and Gas in outlets will be available.
–Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Unit will continue.
What will remain closed?
–The central government, it’s autonomous/subordinate offices and government companies will remain closed. Exceptions– Defense, CRPF, Treasury, Petroleum, CNG, LPG, PNG, Disaster Management, Power Generation and Transmission Unit, Post Office, NIC Offices.
–Offices of States / Union Territories, their autonomous institutions, companies will remain closed. Exceptions: Police, Home Guards, Civil Defense, Fire and Emergency Services, Disaster Management and Jails.
–District administration and treasury.Exception: Municipal bodies – Staff for essential services like sanitation and water supply.
–Government and private offices will remain closed.
–Rail, air and roadways services will not be available.
–All modes of public transport-air, rail, road will be closed.
–Public places such as malls, halls, gyms, spas, sports clubs will remain closed.
–All restaurants, shops will remain closed. Gym, hotels, motels, religious places, all educational institutions will also be closed.
–No more than 20 people will be allowed in the funeral.
–All factories, workshops, warehouses, weekly markets will remain closed.
In his address to the nation, Modi said that this step has been taken to implement social distancing (social distance) in a very strict manner, the most important weapon against this dangerous virus. The PM also told how coronavirus cases have increased rapidly in the world. The Prime Minister said, “Forget going out of the house for the next 21 days. If you cross Laxman Rekha then you will invite viruses in your homes. The 21-day prisoner is looking long but this is the way to keep everyone safe. If you do not accept 21 days, then our country, your family will go back 21 years. Thus stay home, stay safe.
