15.4.20

PM’s 7-point charter as nation goes into lockdown till May 3

As India recorded the sharpest ever spike in COVID-19 cases with 1,463 new infections in 24 hours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an extension of the ongoing nationwide lockdown till May 3.

Following strict implementation of the lockdown over the next week, Modi said that all districts of the country will be reviewed and if they do not report any Covid-19 positive cases and are unlikely to turn into a hotspot, some relaxations will be permitted in those areas.

In his address to the nation, the PM appeared with a traditional Manipuri scarf tied around his mouth as a mask and appealed to people to use homemade masks when they step out of their houses. “Please follow discipline the way you have been doing so far. India’s battle against this pandemic has been progressing well. Because of your dedication and sacrifice, India has been able to keep far bigger losses at abeyance,” Modi told the nation early on Tuesday morning. “The power of ‘We The People Of India’ has been seen in the country during the lockdown.”

While he offered hope for normalcy after the district-level audit by government authorities by April 20, Modi remained firm on observing strict social distancing until then and warned that the slightest violation will draw ruthless action. Modi said that guidelines for the lockdown will be issued shortly. While most terms of the previous lockdown are expected to be repeated with the existing relaxations for movement of essential and non-essential goods across states but some new provisions are being added keeping in view the experiences from the 21-day lockdown, officials said.

The PM made a particular pitch for people to show empathy and put out a seven-point charter for everyone to follow. “Take extra care of the elderly, who have previous health issues. Follow the lockdown and social distancing measures strictly and do no leave the house without a face mask. To increase your immunity, follow the instructions given out by the AYUSH Ministry and drink warm water and kadha (concoction). To help contain the spread of Covid-19 download the Arogya Setu app and encourage others to do so. Take care of the poor and ensure they get their meals. Be sympathetic towards those who work for you and do not lay off anyone. Respect our corona-warriors, doctors, nurses, police officials, cleaners….” Modi maintained.

While a large section of people including daily wagers, traders, had hoped for immediate relaxations in some parts of the country that have remained untouched by the novel coronavirus in a bid to get back their daily income, the PM made no such announcement.

Modi's 7 pleas

Help senior citizens

Obey rules of lockdown and social distancing

Increase your immunity

Use Arogya Setu App

Help the poor

Dont sack employees

Respect corona-warriors

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