This evening on March 24, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation once again on the global pandemic caused due to the Coronavirus which has hit India like a storm. Having announced a nationwide Janata Curfew on March 22, his latest speech followed suit where he declared a nationwide lockdown beginning 12 am tonight for the upcoming 21 days.
The key highlights from his speech are as follows:
I. He started off by congratulating everyone on the success of Janata Curfew. He said that Indians showed they can unite for a common cause.
II. He then talked about how the virulent spread of the Coronavirus is making it difficult for other countries as well and that they’re trying their best to tackle it.
III. He further said that social distancing is the only way to counter the coronavirus as it is the only means to break the cycle of the infection spread.
IV. While some people are under the misconception that social distancing is only for the ill, he clarified that it is for everyone including himself.
V. An important decision: Tonight from 12 AM onwards, there will be a country-wide complete lockdown.
VI. This means there will be complete prohibition on coming out of the house. This lockdown is much bigger and much stricter than the Janata Curfew. The motive behind this lockdown is to save the life of every Indian through complete social distancing which is the need of the hour.
VII. This lockdown will continue for 21 days i.e. 3 weeks, starting March 25, 12 AM
VIII. “The complete lockdown will be for three weeks, please stay where you are.”, said Modi. People must quarantine themselves and forget what it is to go out for the next 3 weeks.
IX. He said the decision to lockdown has drawn a Lakshmana Rekha outside everyone’s house meaning no matter what happens, people should not step out of the house.
X. He reminded people that a single step they take out of the house can bring the Coronavirus to their doorstep.
XI. It takes several days for the symptoms to show. WHO reported that even one person suffering from this disease can infect hundreds of people.
XII. CORONA means ‘Koi road par naa nikle’ - PM Modi
XIII. He reminded citizens that hope lies in the knowledge obtained from countries that have been able to control the Coronavirus. A hundred per cent of the people in these countries followed the government’s orders.
XIV. The action we take today will determine how far are we able to curtail this disease.
XV. Everyone should keep patience and maintain discipline.
XVI. Repeating himself from his last speech he said that the Government will try to ensure sufficient supply of all essentials and that necessary steps have been taken and will keep being taken.
XVII. Several people from around the country are coming together to help the underprivileged people.
XVIII. The central government is making arrangements towards ensuring the maintenance of healthcare system. The Centre has allocated 15,000 crores to fight the coronavirus.
XIX. He ended his speech by urging citizens to take care of themselves and their near and dear ones and to follow the regulations.
XX. Owing to the fake news being circulated on social media platforms regarding the Coronavirus, he said everyone should also protect themselves from rumours and superstitions.
He further tweeted a statement, “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.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also released a guideline for the period. It can be found here.
Feature Image Credit: DD News
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