Lockdown extended till May 3, India’s status better than world: PM Modi
| 14-Apr-2020 |
As the country entered its last day of the previously declared 21 Day lockdown period on Tuesday, PM Modi while addressing the nation announced its extension till 3rd May in the best interests of the nation. PM Modi stressed upon the need to keep following strict guidelines amid lockdown until the situation gets better. He said that in the fight against coronavirus pandemic, India’s current status is far better than other countries as people have come together to save the country despite all odds and we can keep going strong by maintaining social distancing. He summoned everyone to display collective strength to pay tribute to BR Ambedkar on his birth anniversary today, take care of the elderly, work on increasing immunity, help poor families and respect corona warriors.
While addressing the nation this morning, PM Modi said that there is adequate stock of medicines and ration to combat the pandemic amid lockdown. He, however, has taken the decision to extend it further after receiving valuable inputs from various stakeholders, states and people favouring extension of lockdown. People across the country have been under lockdown from March 25th when the Government imposed restrictions due to a sudden outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus in the country. The 21 Day period was supposed to end on April 14th but has now been extended to May 3 as India’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 have gone upto 10,000.
Of all the points PM Modi stressed upon while addressing the nation, the top seven concerns are to take care of the elderly, strictly follow guidelines of lockdown, increase immunity, follow Ayush ministry guidelines, download Arogya Setu App, help poor families and respect corona warriors. He appealed to the employers to not take away jobs of their employees amid the ongoing crisis.
The key points from PM Modi’s speech:
It has been decided to extend nationwide lockdown till May 3. Social distancing and lockdown have given India a major benefit. Some relaxations may be allowed after April 20 in places where there is no hotspot.
Inputs from various stakeholders including states and people have favoured extension of lockdown. India may have paid a big economic price, but there can be no alternative to saving human lives.
India had taken initial precautionary measures even before the first coronavirus case was reported in the country. Quarantine facilities were set up before the number spiked to 100. When India had 550 coronavirus cases, we went for a 21-day lockdown to prevent spread of the virus.
Fight against coronavirus will be made more stringent in next one week, and new hotspots will create a new crisis. Government to come out with extensive guidelines on Wednesday, says PM. There is adequate stock of medicines and ration.
The PM seeks people's support in seven things, including taking care of elderly, maintaining social distancing, helping the poor and respecting corona warriors.
In India, the number of COVID-19 patients has spiked over 10,400 while more than 350 have died of infection. Worldwide, the deadly virus has taken over 1 lac lives while affecting over 210 countries and territories. The global tally of total cases is above 19 lacs with shocking numbers getting registered with each day.