New Delhi | Jagran News Desk: In wake of the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged the people to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid getting infected by coronavirus, saying the world has never seen a danger as grave as this.
Addressing the nation, PM Modi called for 'Janta curfew' on March 22 from 7 am-9 pm, saying no citizen, barring those in essential services, should get out of house.
"If possible, please call at least ten people every day and tell them about the 'Janta Curfew' as well as the measures to prevent coronavirus," said the Prime Minister.
"Restrain is compulsory to protect ourselves and remain healthy. I request that for the coming weeks people should go out of their homes only if essential," PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister said that the government has decided to constitute COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force under Finance Minister. The task force will remain in regular touch with all stakeholders, take their feedback and make decisions accordingly, he said.
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"For last 2 months, millions are working day and night in hospitals and airports and those serving others by not taking care of themselves. On March 22, at 5'o clock, we should stand on our doorways, balconies, in our windows and keep clapping hands and ringing the bells for 5 mins to salute and encourage them," PM Modi said.
PM Modi also appealed to not to go into panic buying to store essential commodities, saying that steps being taken to ensure that there is no scarcity of essential commodities.
He also appealed the people above the age of 60 not to step out from their houses for the next few weeks.
"I request the countrymen to avoid visiting hospitals for routine check ups. If you have appointment for any non-essential surgery, please postpone for one month. We should keep in mind that pressure should not come on hospitals," he said.
Speaking about the measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 virus in the country, PM Modi said that people need to strengthen their resolve to follow the advisories issues by state and central governments to fight, adding that the central government is keeping a close watch on the track record of the spread of COVID-19 virus.
He said that coronavirus outbreak is not a 'normal situation' for the a 'developing' country like India which has a 'large population'.
"For the last few days, it looks like if we are safe from coronavirus. This belief is not right. Hence, it is very important for every Indian to remain aware and alert," PM Modi.
"Till l now science has not been able to find a proper remedy for coronavirus and no vaccine has been developed yet. In such a situation, it is natural to worry," PM Modi while adding that the coronavirus pandemic has engulfed the entire human race.
So far, the coronavirus pandemic has affected around 168 people in India and claimed the lives of four people in the country.
Globally, the virus -- which originated in China's Wuhan -- has claimed the lives of over 8,000 and affected more than 2 lakh people. Looking at the worsening situation, the World Health Organisation has declared the deadly virus 'pandemic'.