PM Modi announces 21-day complete lockdown in India starting midnight to fight 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. Forget going out. Corona means "Koi Road Pe Na Nikle," 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. Draw a laxman rekha."

He said that the Coronavirus infected 1 lakh people in 67 days at first but then in another 11 days, it affected another 1 lakh.

Speaking of some of the first world nations, Modi said: "Remember the US and Italy have the best of medical facilities and infrastructure yet they cannot restrict the effect of Coronavirus. For weeks the citizens of these countries have not stepped outside their homes and adhered to the government rules. We have to act similar since this is the only way to combat the virus."

"We have to maintain our resolve for the next 21 days for future betterment," he said.

Modi also urged citizens to not believe in rumours which have high chance of spreading during this time.

"Rumours travel very fast during this time, please save yourself from such rumours. Don't take any medicines without the advice of doctors," said he.

He said our action now will decide how we can mitigate it.

"This is time for restraint at every stage.  Think of those like doctors, nurses, paramedical staff working in hospitals to save people. Think of ward boys, of sanitiation workers, all who are serving you," said he.

The centre and every state working round the clock. All efforts to ensure essential services. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose appeal saw a successful "Janata Curfew" (people's lockdown) on Sunday, has urged people to take the lockdown seriously after many were found flouting the rules.

According to John Hopkins live Coronavirus map, India has so far 519 positive cases with 10 lives lost to the virus.

There are 395,467 coronavirus cases worldwide with 17,241 people succumbing to the virus, according to John Hopkins live tracker. A total of 103,317 people have recovered.

(Image: PIB India twitter page)