Sj Desk
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation acknowledged the discipline observed by the people of the country during the 21-day nationwide lockdown that was aimed at containing the spread of the deadly COVID-19 that has infected more than 1.87 million people globally.
The prime minister said that the timely lockdown imposed across the country has helped mitigate the situation that could have become far worse had the lockdown not been imposed. Keeping in the mind the steadily increasing COVID-19 case in India, PM Modi has extended the nationwide lockdown till May 3.
“In my discussions with the state governments, and various stakeholders, one thing was unanimous: That we should extend the lockdown. So, I announce today that the lockdown will be extended till May 3,” he said.
He urged people to be more alert than before in this fight against the novel virus. “We will impose more stringent measures in the next week. Till April 20, we will evaluate how different states are dealing with the pandemic. States which will not let hotspots increase, they could be allowed to let some important activities resume, but with certain conditions,” PM Modi said.
“The fight is moving ahead with strength. I know the hardships you faced, you are fulfilling your duties and I respectfully bow to the people of India for their sacrifice."
On the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the prime minister fittingly said: “Our constitution talks about ‘We the People’. The spirit was displayed during this period."
PM Modi, in his televised address to the nation, agreed that the lockdown has put a strain on people financially, but he upheld his previous statement of "Jaan hai toh jahan hai." He said that this strain cannot be compared to the value of life.
The PM highlighted 7 things to follow:
1. Take care of the elderly
2. Strictly follow the guidelines of lockdown
3. Increase immunity, follow Ayush ministry guidelines
4. Download Arogya Setu App
5. Help poor families
6. Don't take away the jobs of your employees
7. Respect Corona warriors
Cases in India have crossed the 10,000th mark. The country has registered a total number of 10,363, COVID-19 cases, out of which 1,036 people have been discharged or recovered. The death toll stands at 339.
