Indian PM Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at 8 pm with the deadly coronavirus as the subject. In his speech, he called for the people to observe ‘Janta Curfew’ on Sunday, March 22.
He mentioned that all citizens should remain indoors from 7 am to 9 pm on that day. "Under this Janata (public) curfew, no one should leave their home or gather in their neighborhoods. Only those related to essential services should go out," said the Prime Minister, adding that all citizens must abide by it.
He also called for the people to show appreciation towards the doctors, paramedical workers, and workers who are keeping the essentials running in the country. "On that day, at 5 pm, we will stand at our balconies, windows or doors for 5 minutes, we will show our gratitude to those maintaining essential services by ringing bells, sounding sirens and clapping...," he said.
The Prime Minister suggested that the one-day exercise would help inculcate a new discipline for social distancing for the next few weeks. "I want the next few weeks from you, I want your time. Coronavirus has endangered humanity. It has affected more nations than the World War," he said.
He further added, "There is no cure for this, so we need to remain healthy. We need to avoid crowds and stay home. Social distancing is critical. If you think you can roam around as usual and feel you will not be at risk, this is incorrect; you are endangering yourself and your family."
He also warned people against hoarding and panic buying.
The Indian cricket fraternity also heard his address to the nation and reacted by tweeting their opinions on Twitter.
Here are some tweets:
