Janta curfew this Sunday, don’t step out, Modi urges Indians

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged the country to observe 'Janta Curfew' on Sunday (March 22) as he addressed the nation on government measures to tackle coronavirus.

"I am requesting your support for 'Janata Curfew'. The curfew will be in place from 7am to 9pm," he said.

Modi called coronavirus crisis a matter of concern, saying that the even World War I and II did not affect as many countries as coronavirus, reports PTI.

"The number of countries affected by coronavirus is more than the countries affected by both the world wars," he said. 

Modi also shared two mantras to tackle coronavirus disease Covid-19.

"The two mantras are Resolve and self-control," he said. 

Stating that Covid-19 has engulfed the entire human race, he also said there was no room to get complacent on the novel coronavirus.

"In this situation, when there is no medicine for this disease, it is very important to keep ourselves healthy. Abstinence is necessary to avoid this disease and to keep oneself healthy," the Indian Prime Minister said.

"And what is the way of restraint – avoid the crowd, avoid getting out of the house. Nowadays, which is being called Social Distancing, in this era of Corona global epidemic. This is very important."

Indian PM Modi, who has held several review meetings since last month, has stressed on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations to check Covid-19.

He has also expressed his gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating the virus, including state governments, the medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, and aviation and municipal staff.

His address comes as the total number of cases has swelled to 173, including 19 who have recovered and four deaths.

Earlier today, the government announced a ban on all incoming international flights to the country for a period of one week starting Sunday, March 22.