The country is observing unprecedented shutdown ‘Janta Curfew’, called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to stop the spread of coronavirus disease that has killed four people so far and infected more than 300 in India.
Several roads are deserted, public places are shut as Janta Curfew began at 7am today.
In order to control the spread of coronavirus, states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha and Bihar have announced a partial lockdown till the end of the month.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged the countrymen to be a part of Janata Curfew.
“As #JantaCurfew, people’s movement begins, I pledge to strictly follow PM@narendramodiji’s call. I also urge my fellow countrymen to participate. Let’s break the chain and protect our nation against this pandemic with social distancing and self isolation,” Shah tweeted.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he is working from home today.
“I am working from home today. I appeal to everyone that except those working in emergencies and critical areas to stay home or work from home and support the Prime Minister’s call for #JantaCurfew,” Rajnath tweeted.
“India today is observing the ‘Janta Curfew’ from 7 am to 9 pm. This is going to be one of the biggest social distancing and mass awareness initiative against a pandemic in the history of mankind,” Rajnath added.
Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday made a fervent appeal to the people of the country to confine themselves to homes on Sunday so as to effectively contain the spread of Coronavirus. He said that since the virus spreads through physical contact, social distancing is an effective measure to contain its spread by avoiding contact during the incubation period of the virus.
Naidu elaborated that PM Modi’s call for observing ‘Janata Curfew’ this Sunday in effect means ‘caring for yourself and others’ through social distancing which is being principally advocated by the medical experts and WHO.
Naidu said that it is the responsibility of every citizen to educate and motivate others towards meeting the challenge.
