On Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the nationwide lockdown by another 19 days to 3 May. The lockdown, effective 25 March, aiming to contain the spread of deadly COVID-19, was scheduled to end on 14th April.
Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech:
• Suggestions from various stakeholders including states and people were in favor of extending the lockdown.
• Our constitution talks about ‘We the People’. The spirit was displayed during this period.
• From the economic angle, we have paid a big price, but the lives of the people of India are far more valuable.
• The government will impose more stringent measures in the next week.
• PM Modi also remembered BR Ambedkar on his birth anniversary.
• Till April 20, the Indian government will monitor how well the districts are doing.
• PM Modi also sought ideas on a vaccine for the disease, from the scientists and youth of the nation.
Seven-Point Strategy Spelled out by PM:
1. Take care of the elderly, especially those with medical history
2. Follow the norm of social distancing
3. Follow AYUSH ministry guidelines to boost immunity
4. Download the Aarogya Setu app, an application to track and alert those who come physically close to infected cases.
5. Look after the underprivileged section of the society
6. Don’t sack people from jobs; instead, help them
7. Respect COVID-19 Warriors working at the frontlines
Last month, PM Modi had addressed the nation twice (March 19 and March 24). It was PM Modi’s third televised address to the country.
It is worth noting that the lockdown has paralyzed virtually all the economic activities in the country, putting millions of people out of work. According to some experts, people, the state-ordered lockdown may have cost the Indian economy Rs 7-8 lakh crore during the 21-day period.
According to the latest data from the Health Ministry, around 1,211 new COVID-19 infections were reported in the past 24 hours. As a result, the total number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 10,363.
The death toll from coronavirus in India has risen to 339 while 1,035 patients have been cured of the virus or discharged. Maharashtra is the worst affected state with over 2,300 coronavirus cases followed by Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telengana, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.