INDIA is under complete lockdown for 21 days to contain the spread of COVID -19: Essential services exempted, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, March 24 the entire country will be under nationwide lockdown from midnight for 21 days to stem the spread of the coronavirus. “There will be  total ban on venturing out of your homes,” Modi said in a televised address. PM Modi said every Indian contributed for making ‘Janata curfew’ a success. “You all deserve to be admired for success of Janta curfew on March 22,” he said. “coronavirus has made many powerful countries helpless; challenges are increasing despite all efforts,” he said. “Social distancing not only for infected but for every citizen including the prime minister. If we will be negligent towards observing social distance India will have to pay heavy price,” Modi said. ’We will have to take some financial strain due to this lockdown. But the main priority of the central and state governments is to save the lives of the people. -Health experts say to break the infection cycle of the corona 21 days are necessary. If we cannot handle these 21 days, many families will be destroyed’ ’Coronavirus cases meanwhile crossed 500 and one more death from the infection reported taking the toll to ten, as the Centre on Tuesday asked the states and union territories to clamp curfew wherever necessary in the wake of people defying lockdown orders in several parts of the country.(edited by PKC)