BREAKING: PM Calls for 'Janta Curfew' as Preparation Test against Coronavirus

New Delhi, March 19, 2020:

With the entire's nations eyes trained on him, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the nation and informed of a resolution for a 'janta curfew' (public curfew) on Sunday, December 22. This, Modi said, will be seen as a "test" to check India's preparedness to deal with the pandemic Coronavirus. The curfew, Modi further added, will last from 7 AM to 9 PM.

Calling for the people's curfew, that is, a curfew that will imposed by the people on Sunday, March 22, Modi urged all the people not connected to essential services to stay within their homes from 7 AM to 9 PM on Sunday next. "This will prepare us for the challenges ahead", Modi said. The PM further urged the people to spread the information about the public curfew, which he has termed as a "test" for the nation, to check how prepared we are to deal with the contagion. The PM also advised against "panic buying" and told people not to hoard items, adding that milk, edibles, medicines will be available.

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The Prime Minister also said that the economy of the nation is suffering greatly due to the coronavirus. The Government has formed a COVID-19 Economic Task Force to discuss the economic issues after consulting all "stakeholders", Modi said. The PM also called upon employers to pay full salaries to employees, although they might not be able to report to work.

Modi said that when the World Wars were fought, they did not affect as many countries as are affected by the coronavirus, which has killed 9,357 worldwide. Modi says that although it seems everything is alright, it is unwise to underestimate the coronavirus, and added that remaining vigilant is of utmost importance at the moment.

The Prime Minister asked for "some weeks" and "some time" from the people. The Prime Minister also reminded that world science has not been able to find a solution to the pandemic, and neither has a vaccine been developed.

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"In the countries where the disease has taken its worst form a pattern has been observed. In these countries -- after an initial few days -- there is an explosion of the virus. In these countries, the number of cases has risen exponentially. The Indian Government is keeping track of this track record", Modi said, adding that some countries have urged isolation and steadied the ship. India has, meanwhile, registered 185 coronavirus positive cases.

India will be affected very badly by the coronavirus, as the country is on the route towards development, Modi said, and added that there are two things that need to be resolved upon: First, determination, and second, patience. Modi said that all the countries have to show exemplary determination and citizens must follow the instructions issued by the Government.

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"Since there is no medicine for this virus, so it is of utmost impost importance to stay safe. The second is patience", Modi said, and added that social distancing is the need of the hour and.  Determination and patience, Modi said, will play a key role in stalling the spread of the virus. By walking around in the open, Modi said, one will imperil oneself as well as loved ones.

For the coming few weeks, only move out when it is absolutely necessary. As long as it is possible, do your essential from home. The Government employees, and hospitals, and media employees must be present at work. But the other people in society, the PM said, should isolate themselves from society. The PM also urged the senior citizens not to venture out from their homes, and cautioned that they should try to stay alert and take absolute care.

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