India is observing a "Janata (public) Curfew" today from 7 am to 9 pm after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for social distancing to curb the spread of highly contagious coronavirus.
"Under this Janata (public) curfew, no one should leave their home or gather in their neighbourhoods. Only those related to essential services should go out," PM Modi said in a televised address to the nation on Thursday.
Minutes before the start of the curfew this morning, he tweeted this morning: "In a few minutes from now, the #JantaCurfew commences. Let us all be a part of this curfew, which will add tremendous strength to the fight against COVID-19 menace. The steps we take now will help in the times to come. Stay indoors and stay healthy. #IndiaFightsCorona. (sic)."
India has witnessed a record spike in the number of coronavirus cases in the last two days with over 100 fresh cases; figures shot up from 170 on Thursday to 315 on Saturday. The pandemic has wreaked havoc across the world, infecting over 2 lakh people.
Across the country, several states have announced partial shutdowns and imposed restrictions on people's movement and gatherings as part of precautionary measures to contain the pandemic.
Here are the highlights of the Nationwide Janata Curfew:
I would like to request everyone to continue Janata Curfew till tomorrow morning. The number of cases has increased considerably. I have no option left but to apply Section 144 in Maharashtra. No flights outside of India will be allowed to land in Mumbai: Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray
This is the time to ensure Social Distancing.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2020
Digital Payments help you do that. Let's listen to these stalwarts and adopt digital payments. #PaySafeIndia @NPCI_NPCIhttps://t.co/qsNcs0EhKIhttps://t.co/imtK8x98XThttps://t.co/yzKPHiXEvDhttps://t.co/TMuZdPqR2O
Lucknow: Women continue to sit near Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) to protest against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), amid #JanataCurfew that is being observed across the country to control the spread of #COVID19. https://t.co/KX5V8l5x74 pic.twitter.com/0fmNEnW8FU
- ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 22, 2020
#JantaCurfew is bad news for Lucknow's rickshaw pullers . They are daily wagers and income is down and the future is even more bleak . Spoke to them a while ago . Also , maintained a distance , shot on zoom , wore a mask , but did it because their voice needs to be heard ! pic.twitter.com/pmRQovyXyn
- Alok Pandey (@alok_pandey) March 22, 2020
This is possibly the first time in 18 years that Delhi Metro is shut
We're taking some rest and social distancing ourselves today. #JantaCurfew pic.twitter.com/ieuk5o6cwD
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) March 22, 2020
What's Shut, What's Not As India Observes Janata Curfew As India observes 14-hour long Janata Curfew, here's a list of what's shut, what's not.
Tamil Nadu: #JantaCurfew underway in Chennai as Coronavirus cases in the country stands at 315 pic.twitter.com/X8JrYUtESP
- ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2020
As #JantaCurfew, people's movement begins, I pledge to strictly follow PM @narendramodi ji's call. I also urge my fellow countrymen to participate.
- Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 22, 2020
Let's break the chain and protect our nation against this pandemic with social distancing and self isolation. #IndiaFightsCorona
In a few minutes from now, the #JantaCurfew commences.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2020
Let us all be a part of this curfew, which will add tremendous strength to the fight against COVID-19 menace. The steps we take now will help in the times to come.
Stay indoors and stay healthy. #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/11HJsAWzVf
Coronavirus India News: Pune Woman With No Foreign Travel Link Tests Positive For COVID 19A woman in her early 40s has tested positive for coronavirus in Maharashtra's Pune, a senior official said on Saturday."
