PM urges people to stay at home, avoid panic buying, sets up anti-coronavirus economic task force
In his much anticipated address to the nation on Thursday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to observe social distancing to reduce the spread of coronavirus and called upon them to observe “Janata Curfew” on Sunday, March 22, from 7am to 9pm by staying inside home, barring those working in essential services sector.
In his 30-minute long television address, Modi reiterated there is no need for panic buying of commodities and asked people not to hoard any item like medicines or food or essential commodities and also avoid hospital visits related to routine checkups.
Modi said that the COVID-2019 pandemic has affected more countries than those affected during the World Wars. Giving the example of a “blackout” during times of war, Modi appealed to people to exercise caution regarding the novel coronavirus pandemic and said citizens over 60-65 years must not step out of their homes.
“People should observe janata curfew. Which means it is a curfew imposed on people, by themselves, for themselves. Avoid travelling out of the house unless it is essential travel. On Sunday, while you are observing the janata curfew, at 5 pm, for five minutes, we must stand outside our houses or in our balconies and clap for those in essential jobs working for us during this pandemic,” Modi said praising the services of professionals like doctors, nurses, medical staff, police, media and others.
“I request the countrymen to avoid visiting hospitals for routine checkups. If you have appointment for any non-essential surgery, please postpone for one month. We should keep in mind that pressure should not come on hospitals,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Urging people to give their time for a few weeks, Modi said every citizen should make others aware of the corona pandemic. The Prime Minister said that while world powers are struggling with the coronavirus pandemic, developing countries like India will find it a big challenge to tackle and curb the infections.
“You might think that you are fine and you will continue to roam around, but that is not right according to me. You have a responsibility to your fellow citizens to take care,” he said.
Modi also strongly advocated the measure of social distancing, and advised staying away from crowds. He also said that companies must allow employees to work from home.
Modi said that “resolution and restraint” are the most important principles in fighting the novel coronavirus pandemic. “Resolution and restraint is very important in combat against this global epidemic. As citizens, people need to strengthen their resolve to follow the advisories issues by State and Central Governments to fight,” he said.
The coronavirus pandemic has also affected economies across the world, the Prime Minister said, adding that the Centre has constituted a ‘COVID-19 economic task force’ which will take decisions regarding the economy in the duration of fighting the pandemic.
“The Government has decided to constitute COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force under Finance Minister. The task force will remain in regular touch with all stakeholders, take their feedback and make decisions accordingly,” he said.
He also appealed to people to allow those in service like domestic helps to take off, and also not cut their pay if they are not able to come to work.