Authorities in India have announced a total nation-wide lockdown and banned people from leaving their homes amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
Following India’s decision to ban 1.3 billion people from going outside for three weeks, PM Narendra Modi announced the government is taking drastic measures “to save India and every Indian.”
In his speech, the prime minister warned people they weren’t allowed to go outside unless absolutely necessary and urged them to avoid stockpiling goods because grocery stores will remain open.
The lockdown was imposed following more than five hundred confirmed cases in the country and fears that a major jump, as witnessed in China, the US, and several EU countries, is imminent in the country with over one billion residents.
“India is today at such a stage, where our actions today will determine our ability to reduce the impact of this disaster,” Mr. Modi said.
According to the orders, banks, grocery stores, and petrol stations will remain open throughout the lockdown.
“This is a curfew… We will have to pay economic cost of this, but to save every family member, this is the responsibility of everyone – the biggest priority,” Modi said.
“You must remember that you will invite a grave pandemic like coronavirus to your homes if you step out. If these 21 days are not managed, the country and your family will go back 21 years… I am not saying this as your prime minister, I am saying it as your fellow citizen, family member.”
In one of his tweets, the prime minister also urged fellow Indians to avoid panic-buying because the shelves will remain stocked with foods and medicines.
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Replaced!