In his address to the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that there will be a complete lockdown in the entire country for the next 21 days starting Tuesday midnight.
He has appealed to the citizens to stay at home.
"If we cannot manage the next 21 days, many families will be destroyed forever. Forget about venturing out for the next 21 days," said PM Modi.
He further stated, "If we won’t follow the nationwide lockdown for 21 days, we will be pushed back by 21 years."
The Prime Minister, at the onset, had praised all Indian citizens for making the Janta Curfew a success. He then said experts believe that social distancing is necessary not only for the infected, but for every citizen, including the Prime Minister.
Mumbai's residents express their gratitude to healthcare providers and others essential services personnel for their help and support, by clapping and ringing bells.
People in Chennai express their gratitude to healthcare providers and others essential services personnel for their help and support, by clapping and ringing bells.
People in Bengaluru express their gratitude to healthcare providers and others essential services personnel for their help and support, by clapping and ringing bells.
Residents clap and bang thalis to thank essential service providers in Chennai
A family in Mumbai express their gratitude to healthcare providers and others essential services personnel for their help and support, by clapping and ringing bells.
A family in Delhi express their gratitude to healthcare providers and others essential services personnel for their help and support, by clapping and ringing bells.
PM Modi said that the lockdown would be more stringent than the Janta Curfew. He also mentioned that the country may have to pay a financial cost for this lockdown, but it is important for the safety of the people.
New Delhi Railway Station wore a deserted look on account of Janata Curfew on March 22, 2020, Sunday Pic: Kamal Narang
Shivaji Park metro station is seen shut in New Delhi on Sunday, March 22, 2020. Pic: Kamal Narang
Delhi Police at Rajiv Chowk giving rose flowers to a commuter who breaks Janta Curfew in New Delhi on Sunday, March 22, 2020. Pic: Kamal Narang
No bus Services: TN state Transport buses at a Chennai depot as public transport services are curtailed on March 22, 2020, on account of Janata curfew to stop the spread of coronavirus. Pic: Bijoy Ghosh
While metro trains halt services in Chennai, suburban trains are running only skeletal services on 'Janata curfew' day, being observed to contain coronavirus, in Chennai, on Sunday, March 22, 2020. Pic: Bijoy Ghosh.
Coronavirus scare: A board displaying 'Chennai Marina beach closed' was seen at Kamarajar Salai, on Janata Curfew day on March 22. Pic: Bijoy Ghosh
Chennai observes Janata Curfew day on Sunday. A deserted looking road, which would normally be an extremely busy one, that connects to Central Station in Chennai, on Sunday, March 22. Pic: Bijoy Ghosh
Chennai's Kamarajar Salai (beach road) near Gandhi Statue looks lifeless during Janata curfew day on Sunday, March 22, 2020. Pic: Bijoy Ghosh.
Just another day: A woman sanitary worker busily collecting wastes at Anna Salai in Chennai, on Janata Curfew day, on Sunday, March 22, 2020. Pic: Bijoy Ghosh
Small grocery shops are open on Janata Curfew day on Sunday, March 22, 2020 in Mumbai. Pic: Paul Noronha
The main Link Road heading to Mumbai city in suburban deserted during the Janta Curfew on March 22, 2020. Pic: Paul Noronha
Deserted look at M G Road in Bengaluru on Sunday, as people observe the self imposed 14- hour Janata Curfew in the country due to coronavirus scare. Prime minister Narendra Modi urged people to remain indoors from 7 am to 9 pm. Photo: G R N Somashekar
A Swiggy boy on his way to deliver food to customers in Bengaluru on Sunday, as people observe the self imposed 14-hour Janata Curfew in the country due to coronavirus scare. Photo: G R N Somashekar
Deserted road during Prime minister Narendra Modi’s call to observe a “Janta curfew” due to outbreak of COVID 19 or Coronavirus in Kolkata on March 22, 2020.
Deserted view of Shiv Sena Bhavan Dadar as Mumbai observes 'Janata Curfew' on Sunday, March 22, 2020. to contain COVID 19 pandemic Pic by Shashi Ashiwal
"All steps being taken by central and state government to ensure supply of essential items. Civil society is working towards reducing difficulties for the poor. I have requested all States that health services should be the first priority in this situation," he added.
He also said Rs 15,000 crore will be allocated for strengthening the health infrastructure, for the treatment of the coronavirus. He also mentioned that the medical and para medical staff will be trained for the same.
"This is the time for patience and discipline; I appeal to you with folded hands to remember people putting their lives at risk for our safety," said PM Modi.
In his concluding remarks, he appealed to the public to not believe in rumours and superstitions. "Don’t take any medicines without consulting doctors," added PM Modi.
He also said that he has full faith that the country will emerge victorious from this challenge.
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