India under lockdown as total Coronavirus cases rise to 562

As per the government data last updated at 9:15 am, the total number of active positive COVID-19 cases is 512, cured/discharged cases is 40 while 11 people have lost their their lives.

However, one of the deceased, who was in the national capital Delhi, is COVID-19 negative.

A person from Mizoram was on Wednesday tested positive for Novel Coronavirus at Guwahati Medical College Hospital, Assam Health department Principal Secretary Samir Sinha confirmed.

The patient, who is a resident of Aizawl, is now admitted at Zoram Medical College. 

Mizoram Health Minister Dr R Lalthangliana has also confirmed that one person has tested positive for Covid-19 in Mizoram.

The person has a travel history to Netherlands. He came back to India on Mar 16.

Prime Minister Modi in his national address on Tuesday (March 24) announced a 21-day lockdown warning all against venturing out and inviting the virus to home.

The lockdown has started at midnight on Mar 24 and will be effective till Apr 14 midnight.

During his address, the Prime Minister said, "During these 21 days, forget about venturing out. You all have to stay at home no matter what happens in your lives. This is the only one way we can save our people, country and ourselves."

"If you venture out during these 21 days, the country might have to pay a huge price for it," he told the nation.

However, Modi said all essential services including pharmacies, banks, ATMs will function urging people not to "panic."

The Prime Minister tweeted, "My fellow citizens, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED TO PANIC. Essential commodities, medicines etc. would be available. Centre and various state governments will work in close coordination to ensure this. Together, we will fight COVID-19 and create a healthier India. Jai Hind!"

Despite the urge, long queues on Tuesday were spotted outside shops in various cities across the country as people were trying to stock materials for the next 21 days.

The nationwide lockdown after Prime Minister Modi in less than a week had addressed the nation and asked them to stay indoors on last Sunday (Mar 22) to mark "Janata Curfew (people's lockdown").

Though "Janata Curfew" was a success, the Prime Minister was not happy with people who were not taking lockdowns in several states seriously.

An unhappy Prime Minister had tweeted, "People are not taking lockdown seriously even now. Please save yourself, your family and follow the instructions properly. I request the state governments to make people follow the rules and laws."

There are 422,913 coronavirus cases worldwide now with 18,905 people succumbing to the virus, according to worldometers.info. A total of 109,143 people have recovered.

(Image Credit: UNI)