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Created: 24 March 2020

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 the 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 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 top most 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 that 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 much inconvenience 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 of 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, but 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 victorious.