Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation at 10 AM today (14th April 2020), he said that it is due to the cooperation of WE THE PEOPLE, that the nation is able to combat this pandemic. Modi, on the occasion of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Jayanti, gave tribute to the Constitutional Maker. He said, "For the welfare of the country, you (we the people) are involved in this fight like a dedicated soldier.
Mr. Modi said he is praying for the good health of its citizens.
PM Modi says, "India adopted a holistic, integrated approach. We have fared better when compared to other countries. Even when India did not have a single corona patient, India had begun screening passengers from COVID-19 affected countries. We have benefited a lot due to social distancing and lockdown. While there have been huge economic costs, we have been able to save many lives. We are on the right path in this fight against the virus."
The nationwide lockdown is extended till May 3, 2020. PM stated that the virus is spreading fast, keeping in mind the situation, this extension is made.
Though there will be relaxations in the lockdown if the situation is improving, but in case the situation deteriorates then relaxations shall be cancelled.
Modi said attempts are being made so that farmers, poor people are least affected.
PM Modi asked people to do seven things in helping the government:
- Take care of old people, senior citizens.
- Use home-made masks sincerely.
- Download Aarogya Setu App.
- Take care of poor people, their food needs etc.
- Don't snatch anybody's job.
- Respect people who are helping us in this tough time.
- With all dedication, follow the lockdown till May 3, 2020.
Because of the hike in the number of positive cases i.e.10, 363 till now, with 339 number of deaths due to China inflicted Novel Virus, named as COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019).
Mr. Modi addressed the nation on the last day of the 21-days lockdown. India has been in Lockdown since 24th March, 2020.
The nation was in complete lockdown, though the condition of India is not as drastic as other Countries. But the measure was taken on relying on the principle of "Precaution is better than Cure" and by seeing the Conditions of World-class health facilities providers Nations (U.S, Italy). Also because of the well-known fact that if the situation went out of control, then only God Will Save Indians, due to lack of medical facilities.
A meeting of all the CMs and PM Modi was conducted on Saturday, though no official report of the meeting was broadcasted but the estimation was started that there will be an extension in Lockdown. The shift in the perspective of the Mr. Modi for combating Corona i.e. JAAN HAI TOH JAHAN HAI, changed into JAAN BHI JAHAN BHI and the Tweets of many CMs after the meeting was over revealed some. Speculations were rife that the Modi government may initiate an experiment to get the economy going in 'graded manner' even though it's likely the nation-wide lockdown may be extended by two more weeks.
The many States such as Telangana, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Odisha, Punjab, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Puducherry, Arunachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have already extended restrictions till the month-end considering the rising number of coronavirus cases in India.