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Narendra Modi on Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: The National Population Register (NPR), the first phase of the Census 2021, won’t be held as scheduled in April because of the 21-day nationwide complete lockdown announced by Narendra Modi as a measure to curb the coronavirus. News18 reported that “due to the prevailing situation, the NPR and Census exercises have been deferred till further orders”. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said, “I would like to assure the 23 crore people of Uttar Pradesh that we have enough stock of essential items like vegetables, milk, medicines etc. For the safety of you and your family don’t step out of your houses and maintain social distance. “From tomorrow, vegetables, milk, fruits, medicines and other essential commodities will be delivered to your door steps for which we have identified more than 10,000 vehicles. I appeal to you to not go to market to buy essential items.” Narendra Modi urged against panic buying soon after announcing the nationwide complete lockdown as a measure to fight the spread of coronavirus in the country. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines on the 21-day lockdown ordered to curb the spread of the coronavirus on Tuesday. Listing the establishments that will mandatorily remain closed during the lockdown, the ministry also listed the exemptions including grocery and ration shops, petrol pumps, banks, ATMs, etc. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will issue guidelines of “effective measures and exceptions” to essential services during the 21-day nationwide lockdown. There will shortly be an MHA 24/7 hotline to assist states during this period, ANI reported. Modi announced a 15,000 crore package for COVID-19, to acquire medical equipment and protective gear, and also increase training of medical and paramedical staff, testing facilities, PPEs, ICUs, and ventilators. “I have appealed to state governments to make the public healthcare the highest priority right now. I am also sure that private companies will also join in the efforts to curb the infection,” he said. Narendra Modi quoted WHO statistics to emphasise the need of the complete nationwide lockdown in a bid to spread coronavirus. He said that from taking 60+ days to spread to one lakh people, the coronavirus has now started spreading faster and faster. He also said that multiple countries around the world are suffering from the coronavirus, despite having world-class health care systems. Modi announced a complete nationwide lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country, starting from midnight on 24 March for 21 days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to speak about the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in India at 8 pm today. Union health minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday said that he was “deeply anguished” over reports of discrimination against doctors treating coronavirus patients. “I’m DEEPLY ANGUISHED to see reports pouring in from Delhi, Noida, Warangal, Chennai etc that DOCTORS and PARAMEDICS are being ostracised in residential complexes & societies. Landlords are threatening to evict them fearing #COVID2019 infection. Pls don’t panic!” he said. Japan prime minister Shinzo Abe’s office on Friday said that after discussions with the International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, an agreement to defer the Olympics scheduled for this year in Tokyo by a year. “After his telephone talks with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, PM Shinzo Abe spoke to the press and explained that the two have agreed that the Tokyo Olympic Games would not be cancelled, & the games will be held by the summer of 2021,” the statement said. The resident doctors of the AIIMS institute, in a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, alleged that people are questioning them over their activities because they are in touch with COVID-19 patients and those suspected of having the infection. The Resident Doctors’ Association on Friday said that they “have been forced to vacate rented houses”. They also requested appropriate action against those forcing eviction. The Indian Council of Medical Research on Tuesday said that at least 118 government laboratories have been included in ICMR network of coronavirus testing. “The network has the capacity to test 12,000 samples a day. Additionally, 22 private laboratory chains, with about 15,500 collection centres, have been registered with ICMR till today,” the statement said. A 47-year-old woman with no recent history of foreign travel tests positive for COVID-19 in Noida, PTI quoted officials as saying on Tuesday. The last date for filing March, April and May 2020 GST returns is being extended to 30 June 2020, said Nirmala Sitharaman during the media conference on Tuesday. She added that different staggering dates will be applicable, but all will be the end of June. The interest rate for filing a delayed return has also been brought down. As the media briefing came to an end, Nirmala Sitharama reiterated that an economic package will be announced ‘sooner’, rather than later. She also said, ‘We are closely monitoring the situation. SEBI has come up with guidelines and stated its position on the recent volatility. We are monitoring the stock market.’ Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, while briefing the media about the government’s plan for relief plan announced that debit cardholders who withdraw cash from any bank ATM can do it free of charge, from any other bank’s ATM, for the next three months. She also stated that there shall not be any minimum balance requirement fee. Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced that the threshold of default extended to Rs 1 core from existing Rs 1 lakh, in order to prevent insolvency proceedings against MSMEs. The finance ministry announced that for newly incorporated companies, there is a requirement to file a declaration on commencement within six months, which the government is giving an additional six months to file their returns. The government on Tuesday said that the mandatory requirement of holding board meetings is being relaxed by a period of 60 days, has been relaxed for the next two quarters. In a major relief to imports/exporters, the government on Tuesday said that customs clearance now an essential service, till 30 June 2020 and it will be working 24/7. The last date for filing March, April and May 2020 GST returns is being extended to 30 June 2020, said Nirmala Sitharaman during the media conference on Tuesday. She added that different staggering dates will be applicable, but all will be the end of June. The interest rate for filing a delayed return has also been brought down. The finance minister announced on Tuesday that the Aadhaar-PAN linking date has been extended to 30 June 2020 from what was 31 March 2020. Nirmala Sitharam also said that the Interest rate on delayed deposit of TDS reduced. She said, “No extra 10 percent interest will be charged between now and 30 June.” The last date for income tax returns for the financial year 2018-19 is extended to June 30, announced Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday. She said that she will be making announcements on income tax, customs, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)-related matters, bank-related compliances, fisheries, among other things. She added that for the delayed payments, interest rate has been reduced from 12 percent to 9 percent. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said she would address the media at 2 pm today amid preparations of preparing an economic package that is likely to help the country through the coronavirus lockdown. She said in a tweet that the package would be announced soon on priority and that she would give the media presser through video conference. Her speech will be specifically be focused on statutory and regulatory compliance matters. Ahead of Narendra Modi’s address, the whole of Odisha will be under lockdown from Tuesday midnight because of the coronavirus threat, a top state government official said. Fourteen of the state’s 30 districts are already under a lockdown. The Madhya Pradesh government has also imposed curfew in Bhopal and Jabalpur cities, where coronavirus cases have been found, right after Shivraj Singh Chouhan took oath as chief minister. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said she would address the media at 2 pm today amid preparations of preparing an economic package that is likely to help the country through the coronavirus lockdown. India has reported its tenth death on Tuesday after a 64-year-old man who was admitted to Kasturba hospital on 23 March, died within a few hours of admission. He had returned from the UAE and had travelled to Ahmedabad on 15 March, returned to Mumbai on 20 March. American lawyer Larry Klayman has filed a USD 20 trillion lawsuit against China for the creation and the release of the novel coronavirus that has infected more than 334,000 people globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 8 pm regarding the vital aspects relating to the COVID-19 menace. Meanwhile, the 26 March Rajya Sabha election to 55 seats, scheduled to be held on 26 March, has been deferred. Two new positive cases of coronavirus are recorded in Gujarat, total cases mount to 33, stated the Gujarat Principal Secretary (Health) Jayanti Ravi. Meanwhile, a 54-year-old domestic passenger was arrested at the airport here for allegedly refusing to follow instructions given by doctors for the prevention of the spread of novel coronavirus, police said on Tuesday. The number of states and Union Territories (UTs) which have imposed a lockdown has increased to 32 from 30 last night. The number of districts under lockdown has increased to 560 from 548. The number of coronavirus cases in Maharashtra has reached 101 on Tuesday. Four more patients were tested positive in Pune and one was tested positive in Satara. Nearly 500 coronavirus cases have been reported in India so far, according to Health Ministry data on Tuesday. According to the data updated Tuesday morning, the total number of COVID-19 cases stood at 492. Benchmark indices erased most of its early gains but trading higher with Nifty above 7700. The Sensex is up 369.34 points or 1.42 percent at 26350.58, and the Nifty up 108.40 points or 1.42 percent at 7718.65. Benchmark indices opened in positive territory on 24 March with Sensex added more than 1000 points. At 09:17 hrs IST, the Sensex is up 1,212.60 points or 4.67 percent at 27193.84, and the Nifty up 353.85 points or 4.65 percent at 7964.10. Manipur has reported the first case of COVID-19 in Northeast India, say reports. Northeast Now reports that a 23-year-old from Imphal (west) has been identified as the first confirmed case in the state. The Tihar Prison authorities said they are planning to release around 3,000 prisoners to ease congestion in jails over the coronavirus threat. However, it will not include hardened or dangerous criminals. While in the UK, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has enforced the strictest curbs on movement of people for at least three weeks to try and control the spread of COVID-19 in the country, where the death toll has reached 335. Security was tightened at the protest site in Shaheen Bagh, on Tuesday, after a prohibitory order under section 144 CrPC has been promulgated in Delhi, with the police clearing out the protest site. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that the pandemic of disease caused by the coronavirus is accelerating, with more than 300,000 cases now recorded and infections reported from nearly every country worldwide. The number of deaths in India due to the novel coronavirus rose to nine on Monday with 468 testing positive as the Centre announced a lockdown in 22 states and Union Territories across the country and the Indian Council of Medical Research recommended the use of an anti-malarial drug in cases of high risk. The health ministry, in its daily press briefing on Monday, said Chandigarh, Delhi, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Tripura, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are under complete lockdown. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked captains of industry to ensure that the production of essential items is not impacted in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak and there is no hoarding and black marketing. “The impact on the economy will be felt for some time to come,” said Modi as he exhorted India Inc to adopt a humanitarian approach and not to cut down on the workforce in spite of the COVID-19 negative impact on their businesses. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that companies’ expenditure to fight the coronavirus pandemic will be considered valid under corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. The coronavirus outbreak will be treated as a disaster, the Finance Minister said on Twitter. The Delhi Police on Monday moved to seal all border pickets in the national capital and said curfew passes will be issued to people associated with essential services as “execution” of the prohibitory orders in the city was “not up to the mark today”. Media persons, however, will not need the passes and their ID cards will suffice, they said. Details like the format of the application for the passes and from when they will be required, etc are likely to be shared on Tuesday, the police said. On Sunday, police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Delhi till 31 March in view of the coronavirus outbreak, banning protests, and other gatherings. Section 144 of the CrPC bans the assembly of four or more people in one place. The Nagaland government will promulgate prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC in Dimapur district from Tuesday to make people stay indoors during the ongoing lockdown declared in the state to contain the coronavirus outbreak, an official said. The order, issued by Dimapur police commissioner Rothihu Tetseo on Monday, will come into force from 6 am on 24 March, the official said. Dimapur, a commercial hub of the state, witnessed an “unprecedented” movement of vehicles during the lockdown which began from Sunday midnight, he said. Police seized a number of taxis for plying on roads, the official said. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has enforced the strictest curbs on movement of people for at least three weeks to try and control the spread of COVID-19 in the country, where the death toll has reached 335. In a televised address to the nation on Monday evening, he said while no prime minister wants to make such demands on the population, the situation was such that he was forced to clamp down on people’s movement and the crackdown on any gatherings of more than two people. With his central message calling on people to restrict their movements outside their homes only for the very basic essentials, Johnson said, “From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction you must stay at home.” In the US, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to prevent hoarding of vital medical supplies and personal protective equipment as the country for the first time registered over 130 deaths in a day due to coronavirus. Till Monday, more than 43,700 confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported in the United States. Of these, over 10,000 were added in one day, according to Worldometer, a website that compiles COVID-19 cases. With 139 deaths, the number of fatalities crossed 550 by Monday night. Signing the executive order, Trump said his government would take action against hoarding and excessive pricing of vital medical and personal protective equipment as well as supplies such as hand sanitisers and face masks.
Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: NPR to be deferred amid COVID-19 lockdown, say reports; positive cases rise to 536 in India
Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: The National Population Register (NPR), the first phase of the Census 2021, won’t be held as scheduled in April because of the 21-day nationwide complete lockdown announced by Narendra Modi as a measure to curb the coronavirus.
 "Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: NPR to be deferred amid COVID-19 lockdown, say reports; positive cases rise to 536 in India")
Coronavirus in US Latest Updates
Trump says he wants US ‘up and raring to go’ by Easter
US president Donald Trump said that he wants the US “opened up and just raring to go by Easter” which is just two weeks away, CNN reported.
“Speaking during a Fox News town hall, Trump reiterated he was eager to see the nation return to normal, even as doctors warn the nation will see a massive spike in cases if Americans return to crowded workplaces or events,” the report said.
“I give it two weeks,” Trump he was quoted as saying. “I guess by Monday or Tuesday, it’s about two weeks. We will assess at that time and give it more time if we need a little more time. We have to open this country up.”
Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates
COVID-19 cases rise to 35 in Gujarat
Gujarat chief secretary Anil Mukim on Friday said, “The total number of #coronavirus positive cases in the state rises to 35. Every minister of the state will be donating their 1-month salary towards #coronavirus relief work.”
Coronavirus in US Latest Updates
Donald Trump slams New York governor over claims about ventilators
Donald Trump on Tuesday slammed New York governor Andrew Cuomo for “complaining” about the shortages of ventilators in the state.
“I watched Gov. Cuomo and he was very nice, we’re building him hospitals, we’re building him medical centers, and he was complaining about – we’re doing probably more, definitely more than anybody else and he was talking about the ventilators,” Trump said of Cuomo.
“I’m not blaming him or anything else, but he shouldn’t be talking about us. He’s supposed to be buying his own ventilators. We’re gonna help. But if you think about Govornor Cuomo, we’re building him four hospitals, we’re building him four medical centers, we’re working very hard for the people of New York. We’re working along with him and then I watch him on the show complaining, and he could’ve had 16,000 that he could’ve had at a great price and he didn’t buy them," he was quoted by CNN as saying.
Coronavirus in US Latest Updates
COVID-19 cases rise to 49,070 in US
CNN reported that there are 49,070 cases of the novel coronavirus in the US as of Tuesday. At least 600 people have died, the report said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Amarinder Singh extends ‘wholehearted’ support to complete lockdown
I wholeheartedly support @narendramodi ji decision of complete lockdown of the country. This is the only way to fight #Covid19 and save millions of lives. But urge @PMOIndia to immediately announce a relief package for the poor and daily wagers.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) March 24, 2020
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Gujarat tests 110 samples, two test positive for COVID-19
“Today we received 110 samples. 97 samples are done with testing, 2 of these were found positive, both are from Rajkot. One of them has a travel history to a foreign country,” Gujarat chief secretary Anil Mukim said.
Coronavirus in US Latest Updates
US ‘has potential’ to be next COVID-19 epicentre, says WHO
WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris said that the United States has the “potential” of becoming the next coronavirus epicentre as cases continued to rise in the country, CNN reported.
“Harris was asked: “Do you see the United States going on to become the epicenter of this outbreak, overtaking Europe?”
In response Harris said, “We are now seeing a very large acceleration in the numbers of cases from the United States — so it does have that potential. We cannot say that that is the case yet, but it does have that potential,” the report said.
Coronavirus in Italy Latest Updates
Italy records 743 COVID-19 days in one day
Italy on Friday recorded 743 virus deaths, surging to break two-day trend, AFP quoted officials as saying.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Amit Shah thanks all medical staff
“I thank all the doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, pathologists and police personnel who are risking their lives and fighting against an epidemic like coronavirus day and night. I also appeal to the people to cooperate with them in these tough times and pray for their health,” Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Citizens should dial 100 if they face inconvenience during lockdown, says Mumbai Police
“We request Mumbaikars to stay calm and rest assured that all emergency services & essential commodities will be available throughout lockdown. The shops will remain open and you may commute as per guidelines to nearby stores. Dial 100 if you face any inconvenience,” the Mumbai Police tweeted.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
NPR to be deferred amid COVID-19 lockdown
The National Population Register (NPR), the first phase of the Census 2021, won’t be held as scheduled in April because of the 21-day nationwide complete lockdown announced by Narendra Modi as a measure to curb the coronavirus.
News18 reported that “due to the prevailing situation, the NPR and Census exercises have been deferred till further orders”.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
COVID-19 cases in India rise to 536
The total number of coronavirus positive cases on Friday rose to 536 in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
SC adjourns all matters in light of lockdown
In view of the 21-day nationwide complete lockdown, Supreme Court says it will not take up the matter listed before it for tomorrow through video conferencing. The matters are adjourned.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Second COVID-19 case reported in North East
News18 reported that a 50-year-old man was tested positive for coronavirus in Mizoram, which is the second case in the northeast. “He has a travel history of Qatar, Amsterdam, Istanbul and Doha,” the report said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Yogi Adityanath says state govt has good stock of essential items
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said, “I would like to assure the 23 crore people of Uttar Pradesh that we have enough stock of essential items like vegetables, milk, medicines etc. For the safety of you and your family don’t step out of your houses and maintain social distance.
“From tomorrow, vegetables, milk, fruits, medicines and other essential commodities will be delivered to your door steps for which we have identified more than 10,000 vehicles. I appeal to you to not go to market to buy essential items.”
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
No panic buying please, says Modi
Narendra Modi urged against panic buying soon after announcing the nationwide complete lockdown as a measure to fight the spread of coronavirus in the country.
By converging around shops, you are risking the spread of COVID-19.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020
No panic buying please.
Please stay indoors.
I repeat- Centre and State Governments will ensure all essentials are available. https://t.co/bX00az1h7l
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Six COVID-19 cases reported in Punjab
Six more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Punjab, taking number of confirmed cases to 29 in the state, officials said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Experts say 21-day lockdown is necessary
Nitin Pai, director of think-tank The Takshashila Institution, tweeted saying, “This chart helps explain why the 21 day lockdown is necessary. The outbreak just got onto the exponential curve; extreme social distancing now can reduce the slope and the infection rate.”
This chart helps explain why the 21 day lockdown is necessary. The outbreak just got onto the exponential curve; extreme social distancing now can reduce the slope and the infection rate. https://t.co/xs0thGtlKw
— Nitin Pai (@acorn) March 24, 2020
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Three new COVID-19 cases reported in Chennai
The Tamil Nadu government said that three new cases of the novel coronavirus have been reported in Chennai on Friday.
#coronaupdate: 3 new cases for #covid19 in Chennai. 65Y M return from New Zealand at Pvt.Hosp, 55Y F Saidapet at #KMC. 25Y M return from London at #RGGH. Patients are in isolation & under treatment.@MoHFW_INDIA @CMOTamilNadu #Vijayabaskar
— Dr C Vijayabaskar - SayYesToWomenSafety & AIADMK (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 24, 2020
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Aaditya Thackeray says stepwise lockdown done in Maharashtra
Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray said, “I appeal to all the people, not to panic! For our state, nothing changes. CM Uddhav Thackeray ji locked down Maharashtra stepwise over the last two weeks, complete lock down since yesterday. CM also spoke to PM right now, essential services will be on as they have been since yesterday.”
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Complete list of MHA guidelines on lockdown:
Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines for the 21-day lockdown, list of essential services that will remain open. #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/hwRgWEM88z
— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
In Mumbai, police patrols spread awareness about lockdown
Mumbai Police are patrolling several parts of the city, including Bandra, announcing that all shops, grocers and pharmacies will be open for the next 21 days, during the complete lockdown announced by Narendra Modi.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
No need to panic, says Narendra Modi; essential services to remain open
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, soon after his address to the nation announcing a complete lockdown for 21 days, took to Twitter to urge citizens not to panic. Meanwhile Union health minister Harsh Vardhan also reiterated that essential services will continue to remain functional.
My fellow citizens,
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED TO PANIC.
Essential commodities, medicines etc. would be available. Centre and various state governments will work in close coordination to ensure this.
Together, we will fight COVID-19 and create a healthier India.
Jai Hind!
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
All commercial and private establishments to be shut except:
Shops, including ration shops (under PDS), dealing with food, groceries, fruits and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, meat and fish, animal fodder. However, district authorities may encourage and facilitate home delivery to minimise movement of individuals outside their homes.
Banks, insurance offices, and ATMs.
Print and electronic media
Telecommunications, internet services, broadcasting and cable services. IT and IT enabled services only (for essential services) and as fas as possible to work from home.
Delivery of all essential goods including food, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment through E-commerce.
Petrol pumps, LPG, Petroleum and gas retail and storage outlets
Power generation, transmission, and distribution units and services
Capital and debt market services as notified by the securities and exchange board of India
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Hospitals and related establishments to remain open
The MHA guidelines says, “Hospitals and all related medical establishments, including their manufacturing and distribution units, both in public and private sector, such as dispensaries, chemist and medical equipment shops, labs, clinics, nursing homes, ambulances etc will continue to remain functional. The transportation for all medical personnel, nurses, para-medical staff, and other hospital support services will be permitted.”
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
MHA says all Central, state offices to remain shut except:
All Central government offices shut except defence, central armed police forces, treasury, public utilities (including petroleum, CNG, LPG, PNG), disaster management, power generation and transmission units, post offices, national information centre, early warning agencies.
All state government offices shut except 1) Police, home guards, civil defence, fire and emergency services, disaster management, and prisons; 2) district admin and treasury; 4) electricity, water, and sanitation; 5) Municipal bodies
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
MHA guidelines on 21-day complete lockdown:
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines on the 21-day lockdown ordered to curb the spread of the coronavirus on Tuesday. Listing the establishments that will mandatorily remain closed during the lockdown, the ministry also listed the exemptions including grocery and ration shops, petrol pumps, banks, ATMs, etc.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
People throng to stores after Modi announces lockdown
People across Mumbai, in areas like Andheri and Bandra and Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, thronged to essential commodities stores soon after the nationwide lockdown was announced on Friday.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
People throng to stores after Modi announces lockdown
People across Mumbai, in areas like Andheri and Bandra and Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, thronged to essential commodities stores soon after the nationwide lockdown was announced on Friday.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Adequate stock of essential commodities in Maharashtra: CM
Soon after the nationwide complete lockdown was announced by Narendra Modi on Tuesday, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said, “We have enough stock of essential commodities and food grains. Please do not panic.”
“PM has addressed the nation. He made some important announcements and even I was a bit concerned after hearing don’t step out of your home. I wanted to understand what he meant when he said lockdown. So I called him,” he added.
आपण अजिबात काळजी करण्याचा कारण नाही आहे, आपल्याकडे पुरेसा धान्याचा साठा आहे, अन्नाचा साठा आहे.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) March 24, 2020
We have enough stock of essential commodities and food grains. Please do not panic. pic.twitter.com/3qOLn0HBmw
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Stores selling essential goods to be open in Puducherry tomorrow
“All stores selling essential goods will be opened in Puducherry tomorrow. As a relief measure to the poor, the government will provide Rs 2000 to each family holding ration cards, through direct benefit transfer system,” Chief Minister V Narayanaswamy said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
MHA to issue guidelines for complete lockdown
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will issue guidelines of “effective measures and exceptions” to essential services during the 21-day nationwide lockdown. There will shortly be an MHA 24/7 hotline to assist states during this period, ANI reported.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Essential services to remain functional during lockdown
The essential services that were functional on 22 March during the Janata curfew will remain operational even during the complete nationwide lockdown that was announced by Narendra Modi on Tuesday. This includes grocery stores, among other facilities.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Adherence to lockdown will decide impact of COVID-19 on India: Modi
“India is at the stage where our actions today, will decide that to what extent we can bring down the impact of this disaster. This is the time to strengthen our resolve again and again,” Modi said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Modi announces Rs 15,000 crore package to tackle COVID-19
Modi announced a 15,000 crore package for COVID-19, to acquire medical equipment and protective gear, and also increase training of medical and paramedical staff, testing facilities, PPEs, ICUs, and ventilators.
“I have appealed to state governments to make the public healthcare the highest priority right now. I am also sure that private companies will also join in the efforts to curb the infection,” he said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Modi appeals for compassion for medical staff
Modi said that every citizen should be compassionate and grateful for those in essential services like doctors and nurses and police, and even the media and hygiene workers who are sanitising public areas.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Modi makes strong pitch for social distancing
“People in countries like America have adhered to the quarantine guidelines laid down by the government to the last letter, which is how they are starting to overcome the disease now. Social distancing — from the prime minister down to the last citizen in every village, has to follow self-isolation,” Modi said, urging citizens for the second time over quarantine.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Modi quotes WHO figures to emphasise on need for lockdown
Narendra Modi quoted WHO statistics to emphasise the need of the complete nationwide lockdown in a bid to spread coronavirus. He said that from taking 60+ days to spread to one lakh people, the coronavirus has now started spreading faster and faster.
He also said that multiple countries around the world are suffering from the coronavirus, despite having world-class health care systems.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Forget outside world for 21 days, says Modi
“I urge you to forget the outside world for these 21 days. Forget every work except the work of staying at home. With this order, we have drawn a ’lakshan rekha’ around your house from now onwards,” Modi said, giving details of the complete nationwide lockdown in effect from tonight.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Complete lockdown to be enforced for 21 days: Modi
Modi announced a complete nationwide lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country, starting from midnight on 24 March for 21 days.
“This lockdown will be strictly imposed in every village and every lane. According to health experts, 21 days are necessary to break the cycle of coronavirus. If these 21 days are not observed as a lockdown, it will take us back 21 years.”
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