April 14, 2020: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the countrywide lockdown till May 3 that he has imposed March 25. After so much anticipation of lockdown lifting today, Mr. Modi flips that game and announces extension of the lockdown. In his earlier meeting with chief ministers, he has discussed the issue as most ministers were in favor of extending lockdown.
Prime Minister Modi also mentioned ‘We the People of India’ from the constitution of India. He also paid homage to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, “this is the real tribute to his efforts” he added.
He stressed on the problems faced by Indians amid the Coronavirus outbreak and appreciated the way people are celebrating festivals in India while following social distancing. “India has made successful efforts to ”halt the spread of COVID-19 in comparison to other countries” Said Prime Minister Modi. We made screening must for all the passengers from overseas, when India has zero Coronavirus cases. 14-days of isolation in quarantine centers was a must for every international tourist before India reached the first 100 COVID-19 cases.
India didn’t wait for the situation to worsen and announced 21-days nationwide lockdown at only 550 confirmed cases in India, said Mr. Modi in his address today. He also appreciated the people of India to contribute in this fight against the pandemic. Here are 7 points Prime Minister Narendra Modi requested fellow Indians to follow today
- Take care of elderly people in your house and neighbourhood, especially those with comorbidities, who are more likely to get affected.
- Do stick to social distancing during the lockdown and use face masks even if it’s homemade.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle to boost your immunity. Visit Ayush Ministry Website to know more.
- Download the Arogya Setu App to halt the spread of Coronavirus and enlighten others to download this.
- Monitor poor families in your neighbourhood and help them with food and money as much as possible.
- Be generous to your colleagues and those whom you are working with. Don’t cut back their salaries or suspend them.
- Appreciate the efforts of the people engaged in the fight against the pandemic as Doctors, Nurses, Cops and sweepers. Respect them and follow their guidelines.
This is the way to win the fight against Coronavirus in India, he added. We will have to abide by the rules and regulations released by the government for the next 19 days. State governments will deeply monitor if there is any new hotspot in their area and it would be serious if it happens.
If the state government manages people to follow up the lockdown properly then a few essential services will be started by April 20 with a new regulatory framework. The lockdown would be extended if there would be any new hotspot in any region.
