PM Narendra Modi addressed the nation for the second time in less than a week, as India grapples with the raging coronavirus pandemic, that has now affected 190 countries worldwide.
Here are the highlights from his Tuesday PM speech:
PM thanks nation for success of ‘Janta curfew’ on March 22
- The nation came together as one for Janta curfew
- Coronavirus has stretched the resources of even developed nations
- Social distancing only way to stop coronavirus, please remain within your homes
- Some are under the illusion that social distancing is only for the ones who have the infection
- India will have to pay a very high price if social distancing is not adhered to
- Entire country to be under lockdown from midnight tonight
- Total ban on moving out of homes from midnight tonight, to be enforced more stringently than Janta curfew
- 21-day lockdown to be enforced in entire country
- 21 days of isolation very necessary to break the chain of coronavirus
- 21 days of lockdown, if not effectively enforced, will push country back by 21 years
- There is an invisible ‘Lakshmanrekha’ at everybody’s door
- Coronavirus affected the first 100,000 people in 67 days, but the next 100,000 in just 11 days
- The next 100,000 were infected in just 4 days
- This is enough to understand the rapidity with which this spreads
- Italy, US with better healthcare infrastructure have struggled to cope with the outbreak
- We need to learn from countries that have somewhat successfully mitigated the crisis
- These countries were able to stem the spread with strict lockdown
- Come what might, we should not leave our homes
- This is true for the villagers in remote regions, and also to the nation’s Prime Minister
- Italy, US with better healthcare infrastructure have struggled to cope with the outbreak
- We need to learn from countries that have somewhat successfully mitigated the crisis
- These countries were able to stem the spread with strict lockdown
- Come what might, we should not leave our homes
- This is true for the villagers in remote regions, and also to the nation’s Prime Minister
- We are at the crossroads when our decisions will decide how effectively we deal with the situation
- Think of the doctors, paramedics, ambulance drivers who are at the forefront of the fight
- The policemen, those working in the media have to be out working, spare a thought for them
- We have made all efforts to ensure supply of essential goods
- Top priority to be accorded to measures that ensure people’s lives are safe
- Centre has allocated Rs 15,000 cr for coronavirus battle
- Isolation wards & beds, ventilators and other arrangements to be made with this amount
I am happy that the private sector has come forward to the aid of the nation’s people
Do not take any medication without the advice of doctors
Improper treatment can seriously endanger your lives
I am confident that Indian will emerge victorious in this battle
Take care of yourself, and also of your near and dear ones and pass this news to others