PM announces nationwide lockdown for 21 days starting tonight

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to the media inside the parliament premises on the first day of the winter session in New Delhi, India, November 18, 2019. REUTERS/Altaf Hussain/File Photo

New Delhi, March 24 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced nationwide three weeks lockdown starting from Tuesday midnight. All states and union territories will come under its purview.

He said this is an essential step to fight coronavirus decisively. He added that saving lives is priority as of now.

"With folded hands, I request you to stay put wherever you are," said Prime Minister Modi. He added that he is mindful of the economic ramifications of it. However, this is a smaller concern.

PM Modi warned, if we don't follow a complete lockdown for the coming 21 days, the nation will go back 21 years and many families will be devastated.

He also said many powerful countries in the world have become helpless, regardless of their efforts. He once again reiterated that social distancing is the only way to deal with this deadly coronavirus that has infected more than 500 in India, so far.

"Some people are under the misconception that social distancing is only for those infected with coronavirus... but they should understand that this for everyone because it is important to break the cycle," said PM Modi in his address to the nation.

This is his second address to the nation regarding coronavirus. In his first address he urged Indians to observe 'Janata Curfew'.

Rs 15k cr for healthcare infra to combat Covid-19: PM

Centre allocates 15k crore for healthcare infrastructure to combat coronavirus 

New Delhi, March 24 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced allocation of Rs 15000 crore to strengthen healthcare infrastructure to fight coronavirus in India.

In a televised speech, he said: "Today the Centre has decided to give Rs 15,000 crore for testing facilities, personal protection, isolation beds, ICU beds, ventilators and training medical and paramedical staff. Healthcare should be the only priority of every state government."

The PM also sought support from the private sector in healthcare to come forward and support the country in these tough circumstances. "Private labs and hospitals should come forth to extend their support to fight coronavirus," he added.

He emphasised that the country is at a stage where our action will decide on our ability to contain the outbreak of coronavirus.

"We need to fulfil the promise-- do not step out of the house. We also extend our best wishes to people who are out working everyday for the betterment of the society - doctors, paramedical staff, and pathology lab staffers. "Think about them... they are working day and night to protect people and also the staff of the hospital. They are working under extremely demanding circumstances," he said.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of people who sanitize the local areas, media persons who are working day and night in the face of transmission of this virus; and also the police officials who are also working round the clock to maintain law and order.

"Centre and state governments are working at their full potential so that people do not face difficulty in everyday life, and also essential commodities are made available without any delay," he added.

Modi also made a special mention of the poor people who are facing extreme circumstances in the view of the lockdown, and appealed to civil society and other members of the society to support them in this period.

"We have to prioritize whatever is necessary to protect people's lives. WHO and health experts, government has taken decision. Rumours often find space under these circumstances. Please stay away from any rumour..... Without a doctor's advice do not take any medicine. I believe every person will follow the direction of the government. 21 days is a long time but it is essential to save people's lives. I believe every citizen will fight it back. Please follows the laws and accept these restrictions," he said.

Nationwide lockdown must to save millions: Punjab CM

Chandigarh, March 24 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday termed the 21-day nationwide lockdown announced by the Prime Minister as necessary to save millions of lives from the deadly COVID-19,

But he lamented the Centre's failure to announce an immediate relief package for the lakhs of poor and daily wagers who could not survive without government support.

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement, the Chief Minister said it was imperative to break the coronavirus cycle, for which such extreme steps were necessary, as the analysis of several other nations had already shown.

However, it was equally important, he said, to support those left with no means to fulfill their daily basic needs.

The Chief Minister, while welcoming the Rs 15,000 allocation by the Centre to upgrade the health, medical and research facilities in the country, urged the Prime Minister to also come out with a comprehensive package immediately to ensure that the citizens of India are not deprived of basic essential services in this three-week period.

At the same time, Amarinder Singh urged the people to pledge themselves to fight the war against COVID-19 by staying at home.