Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 19-day extension of the lockdown across India as he addressed the nation on Tuesday. The lockdown will now end on May 3, said the PM. He also said that the situation in every police station, every district, every state will be evaluated to see how effectively the lockdown is being implemented on April 20 and some relaxations might be announced after the evaluation. Modi requested the Indians to support him in seven aspects during this crisis — saat baaton mein aapka sath.
Announcing the extension the PM added that there might be some relaxations in place if the lockdown helps reduce the spread of the virus. "Till April 20, all districts, localities, states will be closely monitored, as to how strictly they are implementing norms. States which will not let hotspots increase, they could be allowed to let some important activities resume, but with certain conditions," Modi informed the nation in a televised address. "India's fight against Corona global epidemic is moving ahead very strongly. Because of your sacrifice so far, India has been able to avert considerable damage from Coronavirus. I know how many problems you had to face. Somebody has trouble getting food, somebody has trouble commuting and someone is away from home," Prime Minister Modi said in his address to the nation.
The PM also said that the nation needs the help of the people now more than ever — saat baaton mein aapka sath — in these times of need. He pointed out seven aspects in which the people can help fight the virus and even defeat it. "Firstly, please take extra care for people who are vulnerable. Secondly, maintain the lockdown and wear homemade masks," said the PM. "Thirdly, to increase your immunity, follow the instructions and guidelines laid out by the AYUSH ministry — drink lots of warm water. This helps build your immunity. Fourth, download and use the Arogya Setu app on your phone. Fifth aspect, please help the marginalised sections of the society with whatever you can. Sixth aspect, If you are owners of businesses and firms, be empathetic towards those who work for you and do not terminate their contracts or sack them amid this crisis. And last but not the least, we should all be proud of our warriors — doctors, medical personnel, police — who have been fighting this disease from the frontline and keeping us safe," he added.
Lauding the country for staying indoors, Modi said that the citizens have acted like soldiers in this time of crisis to defeat the virus. "But for the sake of the country, you are performing your duties like a disciplined soldier. This is the power which is inherent in 'We The People of India' in our constitution. On the birth anniversary of Babasaheb, this demonstration of our collective power and this resolution is a true tribute to him," he said.
