(Image source from: narendramodi.in)

The confirmed cases of the Covid-19 has been rising every single day in India, with the total number of cases at 195 as of March 20, 2020. In a live video addressing the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a proactive Covid-19 taskforce which is going to work in order to fight this pandemic spread of coronavirus.

Aside from that, the PM also announced a Janata Curfew on Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm. He has also warned people of the raging economic impact and asked the citizens to be prepared for the wrath.

Senior citizens have been strictly asked to stay indoors and not leave the periphery of their home until emergency arises. He also asked the country to stay vigilant in this time of need and prepare themselves because thinking that the situations couldn’t become worse will be wrong.

In the video, PM Modi further stated saying, “In the past few days, it is appearing as if we have averted the crisis, and everything is okay. Complacency in respect of a global pandemic like coronavirus is not appropriate.”

Modi further pointed out the dire need of social distancing at the moment saying that taking precautions at this point of time is a necessity.

Addressing the situation further, PM Modi further stated saying, “During this curfew, we shall neither leave our homes, nor get onto the streets or roam about our localities. Only those associated with emergency and essential services will leave home.”

He further added saying, “This Janata Curfew will in a way be a litmus test for us. This is also the time to see how prepared India is to fight off a global pandemic like the coronavirus.”

The economic taskforce during this time of crisis is going to be headed by the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman.

This economic taskforce will be responsible for taking further decisions in the future concerning the economic strain of the country. It is also going to keep track of the regular interaction with the stakeholders and analyse the situations concerned around. It will also ensure that every single decision that is made for the economic growth of the country is duly implemented.

PM Modi also advised the citizens to not panic buy things as the country has enough supplies and that nobody needs to fret in this time of crisis. He asked people to avoid crowded place, hospitals and even asked to postpone surgeries, if they are not an emergency.

He also asked the businesses and upper classes to take care of their employees and not deduct any salaries in case they aren’t able to come to the office and get their job done. He asked people to be more empathetic during this time of need.

PM Modi also expressed his gratitude to the civil servants and the doctors who have been working consistently even in the middle of the pandemic spread. He urged the people to come out on their balconies at 5 pm on the day of “Janata Curfew” and ensure to show their gratitude towards the duties of these individuals.

By Somapika Dutta