India tells all 1.3 BILLION citizens to observe one-day curfew to test the country’s ability to deal with coronavirus pandemic
- The PM told people the curfew on Sunday – from 7.00am to 9.00pm – was a test
- It would be ‘in the interest of us to follow and prepare us for future challenges’
- The government says there have been 173 infections and four deaths from virus
- People are anxious and there has been a rush on food stores and essential items
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India’s Prime Minister has appealed to its 1.3 billion population to follow a one-day curfew alongside a ban on international flight arrivals to combat the coronavirus.
Narendra Modi told people the curfew on Sunday from 7.00am to 9.00pm would test the country’s ability to take tough measures against what he called a growing ‘crisis’.
The measure would be ‘in the interest of the country to follow and prepare us for future challenges’.
Narendra Modi told people (pictured in Hyderabad) the curfew from 7.00am to 9.00pm on Sunday would test the country’s ability to take tough measures against what he called a growing ‘crisis’
The measure would be ‘in the interest of the country to follow and prepare us for future challenges’. Pictured: Crowds gather in a Delhi market
The government says there have been 173 infections and four deaths from the virus.
But the public is increasingly anxious and there has been a rush on food stores and essential supplies.
Modi said most people, except those in essential services, would have to stay home for several weeks, without giving a timeframe.
He continued: ‘If you feel you won’t be affected or infected, you are wrong. You will be endangering your family and the community and I request every citizen to stay home for the next few weeks.’
The government says there have been 173 infections and four deaths from the virus. Pictured: A packed train in Mumbai
Indian women walk in front of the gate of the Taj Mahal, which has been closed for tourists to prevent the spread of coronavirus
An employee of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) sprays disinfectant inside a mosque in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir, today
India must fight to avoid the ‘explosion’ in deaths seen in other countries, particularly in Italy and the UK in recent days.
The 29-minute address came hours after the government said no international flights would be allowed to land in India for one week starting Sunday.
All citizens above 65 and children under 10 were advised by the Prime Minister to remain at home.
States were also directed by the government to force companies and department to make staff work from their houses.
India (pictured, in Jammu) must fight to avoid the ‘explosion’ in deaths seen in other countries, particularly in Italy and the UK in recent days
An empty shopping mall is pictured after the government imposed restrictions on public gatherings in attempt to prevent spread of coronavirus disease in Gurugram
Some government employees are set to stagger their shifts and alternate working in the office.
New Delhi has already suspended the visas of all foreign tourists and barred passengers of flights from the worst-hit European nations.
Travellers from several countries are also subject to a 14-day quarantine when they arrive in India.
Most schools and entertainment facilities, including cinemas, have already been shut across India, the world’s second-most populous country.
The Taj Mahal and other monuments have also been closed to visitors.