Sj Desk
As of Wednesday, over three billion people around the globe were living under a complete lockdown as governments ramped up efforts to contain the spread of the deadly COVID-19 that has gripped the world.
The novel coronavirus has left more than 20,000 people dead so far and world citizens worry that this figure is only likely to go up. Several countries, in a latest effort, have announced semi and complete lockdowns of states and districts to stop community transmission of the highly contagious virus.
Also Read: US In Talks With India To Evacuate Americans Amid 21-Day Lockdown
As the number of infected cases crossed 4,70,000, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that only a concerted global effort could stop the spread of the virus.
New York, which has become the epicenter of the virus in the United States with over 30,000 cases is likely to see a few “tough weeks”, said President Donald Trump.
“We want to get our country going again,” Trump said. “I’m not going to do anything rash or hastily.
“By Easter we’ll have a recommendation and maybe before Easter,” said Trump.
UN chief Guterres said that the world needs to fight the pandemic together. “COVID-19 is threatening the whole of humanity -- and the whole of humanity must fight back,” Guterres said, launching an appeal for $2 billion to help the world’s poor. “Global action and solidarity are crucial,” he said. “Individual country responses are not going to be enough.”
Spain is bearing the brunt of the virus which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan with the number of fatalities surpassing those of China.
India ordered a 21-day nationwide lockdown starting Tuesday midnight for its 1.3 billion people-- making it the biggest lockdown.
Also Read: Centre To Provide Rs 170,000 Cr To Help Weaker Sections Hit By Lockdown
In his address to the nation on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to stay at home-- which is the only way of flattening the curve. He emphasized on social distancing and quoted a line that fits right in today's trying times-- "Jaan hai toh jahan hai".
