According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of active COVID 2019 cases across India have risen to 171 while 4 people have died due to the virus so far. However, according to media reports, the total number of cases have increased to 200 as on Friday. On seeing the spike in cases and in a bid to flatten the curve, PM Modi, in his address to the nation at 8 pm on March 19 appealed to follow “Janata curfew” on March 22 (Sunday).
“I am seeking one more support from every countryman today. This is a public curfew. Janata curfew means for the public, curfew imposed by the public on its own. Every citizen must follow Janata curfew on this Sunday, March 22, from 7 am to 9 pm,” PM Modi while addressing the country.
He further requested the citizens of the country to support and laud all the frontline heroes and emergency workers who are performing their duties amid the pandemic. “Stand in your balconies or at the doorstep of your houses at 5 pm sharp on Sunday and clap for all the healthcare professionals, policemen who are helping everyone in the time of crisis. A siren will be played in each district to ensure that people come together,” he said. In his address to the nation, he also said that a COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force would be created to work on the economy-related aspects. Take a look at an excerpt from his speech.
On 22nd March 2020, let us observe a Janata Curfew and add strength to the fight against COVID-19. #IndiaFightsCorona. pic.twitter.com/qOqhQaJES5
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 19, 2020
While many are lauding PM’s nudge to contain the spread of coronavirus, others are doubting whether India is prepared enough. Here’s what Twitterati are saying:
Also read: COVID-19N Myths You Should Not Fall For
Modiji=New Bigg Boss?
He's putting us in isolation and giving us weird tasks. Modiji is the new Bigg Boss.
— Karan Talwar (@BollywoodGandu) March 19, 2020
The Difference One Day Can Make
For those wondering what difference a one day “Janata Curfew” would make –
“It only takes a one-day difference in action to see a 40% reduction in cases”@nytimes @narendramodi #COVID2019india #Quarantine #JanataCurfewhttps://t.co/OCimFqeqtH
— Mangalam Maloo (@blitzkreigm) March 19, 2020
Employees Thank PM
2031 hrs.
Night shift.
45 men in masks, gloves & sanitisers within reach – exhale.
PM Modi’s calm, reassuring speech means we will keep to our contracts, seeing to it that jobs & wages are safe. #JanataCurfew on Sunday will mean a much needed, day off. #IndiaFightsCorona— Nandini 🇮🇳 (@NAN_DINI_) March 19, 2020
‘We Are The World’
We are the World.. We are the People
Our HonPM Sri @narendramodi ji has requested us to participate in #JanataCurfew by staying indoors on Sun, March 22, from 7 am to 9 pm
Let’s follow this instruction wth full dedication to help our Nation’s fight against Covid19 virus
— Shilpa Nair (@shilpamdas) March 19, 2020
‘Ask PM To Give You Better Medical Facilities’
Pls dont come out at 5pm on sunday to applaud us. Instead stand wherevr u'll b heard n ask ur PM to giv u more tests,tests,tests for #COVID19
Ask for more hosp beds,ventilators,masks,PPE for healthcare workers.
Ask for financial back up for the most vulnerable – 1/#JanataCurfew— Shalika Malviya (@drshalika) March 19, 2020
Meme For Support
Prime minister: Please create awareness about #jantacurfew to atleast 10 people.
Memers: pic.twitter.com/J89Q9SWwq6
— Prasad Rajput (@Prasad__Rajput) March 19, 2020
‘Pledge To Follow #JanataCurfew’
I, DHARM, a Responsible citizen of India pledge to follow #jantacurfew pic.twitter.com/thgfGpTmhk
— dharm upadhyay (@dharmupadhyay) March 19, 2020
What About The Poor?
for him #JanataCurfew means no food for his family pic.twitter.com/NpkfJEn3xy
— Sleeping (@urbanXpunjabi) March 20, 2020
#JanataCurfew Mocked
Go Karuna go (chant)
Yoga
Gomutr
Gobar
Ashwagandha
Surya Namaskar
Janta Curfew
This is how Indian govt fights coronavirus.#janatacurfew— Che of fekoSLOVENIA ☭ (@Che_guevara_in) March 19, 2020
Twinkle Khanna Lauds PM & His Speech
Have written against many govt moves but this was a speech by the PM that https://t.co/hEYggGXtzE staves of panic without undermining the gravity of the situation.Applauding those providing essential services will also make us feel more united during this pandemic. #jantacurfew https://t.co/I5maq4kDBk
— Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones) March 19, 2020
Vir Das Is Up For ‘The Italian Thing At 5pm’
I agree with everything the PM said. It's a good speech. Share its message widely!
And spending a sunday like I've pretty much spent every single sunday….ain't that bad.
I'll even do the Italian thing at 5pm 🙂
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) March 19, 2020
While this one day trial could be a mere test to see how India reacts to being quarantined, the need of the hour lies in being prepared for if the curfew is extended in the times to come, as hinted by the PM. The question is: Are you willing to help humanity by doing the slightest bit? Remember to avoid panic and take conscious decisions. We are in this together!
Featured Image: Twitter
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