COVID-19: India observes ‘Janata Curfew’ on March 22, 2020
NEW DELHI : Millions across the country are staying in today to counter the threat from the highly contagious COVID-19, which has disrupted economies and killed thousands across the world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an address to the nation on Thursday urged citizens to stay indoors – a move that he said would be a crucial test for a country to assess its abilities to fight the pandemic.
“Let us all be a part of this curfew, which will add tremendous strength to the fight against the COVID-19 menace,” PM Modi tweeted minutes before the curfew commenced. “The steps we take now will help in the times to come,” he said in the tweet.
Here are some of the best pictures of deserted streets as India observes ‘Janata Curfew’
Train and other transportation services being largely suspended across India. While metro trains halt operations, suburban trains are running only limited services today. All shops and establishments have been completely closed across India in an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Shahrukh khan’s ‘Mannat’ witnessed a deserted look as people are not stepping out.
Several roads are deserted, Metro stations closed in Delhi and public places shut down as the country is observing Janta Curfew which began at 7 am on Sunday. The curfew is being observed to break the chain of transmission of coronavirus disease Covid-19 that has killed four people so far and infected more than 300 in the country.
“Janata Curfew is an important step by the people for the health of the people. I request all of you to follow the guidelines given by PM Narendra Modi, regarding Janta Curfew,” BJP president JP Nadda tweeted in Hindi on Sunday morning.All citizens barring those working for essential services are required to stay indoors during 14 hours of self quarantine.
India is currently at stage 2 of Sars-CoV-2 virus transmission. Today’s ‘public curfew’ is a precautionary measure meant to lessen the chances of the coronavirus disease from spreading to more people and ensure that the country does not slip into Stage 3 – that of community transmission.
“This is the first major step to prevent person-to-person transmission of the Sars-CoV-2 virus. First, this move will help in checking the spread of virus from the infected people to others. And secondly, it is an opportunity for the people of the country to test themselves for bigger challenges that lie ahead, as Prime Minister said,” said Dr Arvind Kumar, Chairman, Centre for Chest Surgery, Sir Gangaram Hospital, in a video posted by the government in its Twitter handle MyGov India.
The Indian Railways has announced that no passenger trains will originate from any junction in the country from midnight on Saturday to 10.00 pm on Sunday as part of the Janta Curfew.
The Prime Minister, in his televised address to the nation on Thursday, asked people to stay in the safety of their own homes as much as possible during the duration of the Janta Curfew. However, people can step out for absolutely essential services like an emergency situation or necessary healthcare.
(ith Agency Inputs ).
