New Delhi: 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:
Mar 22, 2020 17:05 (IST)
Citizens clap at their homes to show appreciation to those out in the field amid coronavirus pandemic
Mar 22, 2020 15:22 (IST)
Coronavirus: Uddhav Thackeray Says No Oversees Flight To Land In Mumbai
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
Mar 22, 2020 15:21 (IST)
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday requested people to stay indoors and assured them that he is monitoring the healthcare situation amid COVID-19 outbreak. "Working from home on the day of Janta Curfew. Have also asked my support staff to work from home. I am reviewing and monitoring the situation across the state with respect to movement on borders as well as healthcare services," Mr Sawant said in a tweet.
Mar 22, 2020 15:19 (IST)
Noida-Greater Noida metro, city bus services suspended till March 31 with immediate effect due to coronavirus outbreak, news agency PTI reports.
Mar 22, 2020 12:57 (IST)
Sixty thousand markets across India are closed today, over 7 crore traders, their 40 crore employees observe Janata Curfew