Essential commodities will be available during lockdown: PM Modi clarifies

In a tweet, Modi said: "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!"

He said by going into panic buying, people are still risking their lives.

"By converging around shops, you are risking the spread of COVID-19. No panic buying please. Please stay indoors. I repeat- Centre and State Governments will ensure all essentials are available," he tweeted.

Modi announces complete lockdown for 3 weeks starting midnight:

As the number of fatalities and infected cases in India is steeply rising, PM Modi on Tuesday evening announced a complete lockdown for 21 days starting midnight in the country to combat the deadly Novel Coronavirus.

"From 12 midnight, there will be complete lockdown across the entire country. For the benefit of the country, there will be a complete lockdown in every nook and corner of India. People are not allowed to step outside their homes from midnight 12," PM Modi announced in his second address to the nation over the Coronavirus spread.

Modi said people should forget about stepping out of the home during this period. "The only and only work you should do is staying at home," said he.

Speaking of the Janata Curfew on Mar 22 last, which now seems like a trailer to the bigger lockdown, Modi said: "I want to appreciate everyone for making the Janata Curfew successful. People showed how they can unite for a cause."

"As you know even the developed countries are also adversely affected by coronavirus despite their measures. The only way to fight Coronavirus right now is 'social distancing'. We have to break the cycle of the spread of Coronavirus," said he.

The PM said some people are of the impression that social distancing is only for those who are affected.

 

"This is a misinterpretation as it is applicable to everyone in the society even on the PM," Modi warned.

 

"There has been lockdown in several parts of the country already, it is important to follow the guidelines of the state governments," he said before announcing the complete lockdown.

Modi noted that there will be an impact on the economy for sure due to this lockdown for 21 days, however, right now his only concern is to protect the citizens.

"We have to bear a havoc impact on the economy due to this lockdown but right now my sole aim is to save the lives of the citizens. I urge all of you, please remain where you are, don't move. This lockdown will remain in force for 21 days," he said while making the announcement.

"If we don't take precautions in these 21 days, we will go back by 21 years and won't be able to recover ever. I am telling you this not as a PM but as a member of your family. Please stay indoors," urged the Prime Minister.

Modi warned that: "Your one step outside will invite Corona to your home."