HIGHLIGHTS: PM Modi's speech on new measures to tackle coronavirus

By Anuj Cariappa

Updated: Friday, March 20, 2020, 0:07 [IST]

New Delhi, Mar 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced 'Janata Curfew', which he says would mean a curfew imposed by the people on themselves in order to contain the spread of the disease.

"This Sunday, March 22, from 7 am to 9 pm, all countrymen have to follow the 'janata curfew'. In this period no one should come out of their homes or in their society or building," says Modi.

Here are the UPDATES on PM Modi's speech on Coronavirus pandemic

Mar 19, 2020, 9:03 PM IST

Modi appeals to the business and the affluent class to also keep in mind the economic interests of those working for them if possible.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:50 PM IST

Nine points by PM: Every India should be vigilant. Avoid stepping out of your homes until it is absolutely essential. Those over the age of 60 should remain inside their homes only. Dutifully observe Janta Curfew on Sunday, 22nd March 2020 from 7 AM to 9 PM. At 5 PM on 22nd March 2020, the day of the Janta Curfew, from your homes, express gratitude to those working round the clock to keep India healthy (such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, municipal staff, armed forces, airport staff) Avoid going to hospitals for routine check-ups. If there are surgeries that can be postponed, kindly do so. Formation of COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force under the leadership of the Finance Minister to comprehensively look at ways to boost the economy. Do not cut the wages of those working in your homes, support staff and drivers, gardeners. Do not indulge in panic buying. India has enough food and ration supplies. Stay away from rumours.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:43 PM IST

PM Modi urged people not to go for panic buying to stores as there is no scarcity of essential commodities. "I assure the countrymen that all step are being taken to ensure that there is no shortage of essential goods like milk, food items and medicines," says Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:39 PM IST

"Govt has decided to constitute COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force under Finance Minister. The task force will remain in regular touch with all stakeholders, take their feedback and make decisions accordingly," says Modi

Mar 19, 2020, 8:32 PM IST

Don’t hoard essentials, be sensitive towards others says PM Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:30 PM IST

"I urge all countrymen, that for the next few weeks get out of your house only when it is very important," says PM Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:29 PM IST

It is necessary that humans are victorious says PM Modi

Mar 19, 2020, 8:25 PM IST

We have set up a task force. This will be manned by the finance ministry says PM Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:23 PM IST

The pressure on our hospitals should not increase. Routine check up should be reduced says PM Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:22 PM IST

If possible, please call at least 10 people every day and tell them about the 'Janta Curfew' as well as the measures to prevent coronavirus, says the prime minister

Mar 19, 2020, 8:22 PM IST

March 22 lets thank all those people who have been working for us. Let us thank all of them says PM Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:21 PM IST

On 22nd March, from 7 am to 9pm, all countrymen have to follow 'Janta Curfew', says Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:20 PM IST

"I request people above the age of 60 to not venture out of their homes for the next few weeks," says PM Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:19 PM IST

Janata Curfew will help in fighting coronvirsus

Mar 19, 2020, 8:19 PM IST

"If you feel you are okay and nothing will happen to you, you are wrong," says Modi 8 warning the people against ignoring the advice to stay indoors.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:16 PM IST

None of the people should remain in their homes starting Sunday, says PM Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:15 PM IST

"Resolution and restraint is very important in combat against this global epidemic. As citizens, people need to strengthen their resolve to follow the advisories issues by state and central governments to fight coronavirus," says Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:15 PM IST

PM Modi says that the peoples’ curfew is needed

Mar 19, 2020, 8:13 PM IST

Isolation is the key here says PM Modi

Mar 19, 2020, 8:12 PM IST

For a developing country like ours with a large population the growing challenge of Coronavirus is not a normal situation

Mar 19, 2020, 8:12 PM IST

Social instancing is important says PM Modi

Mar 19, 2020, 8:12 PM IST

"Whenever I have asked something of Indians, I have never been disappointed. It is from all your blessings that we are moving towards our set goals. Today, I ask all citizens something. I need the coming few weeks from all. There has been no definite cure made to deal coronavirus, nor is there a vaccine. In such a situation, it is natural to be anxious," says PM Modi

Mar 19, 2020, 8:10 PM IST

Govt of India is keeping a close watch on the track record of the spread of Corovnavirus.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:10 PM IST

We are healthy then the rest are healthy says PM Modi

Mar 19, 2020, 8:05 PM IST

Even World War I and II did not affect as many countries as coronavirus has done

Mar 19, 2020, 8:05 PM IST

This crisis has engulfed the entire human race. For the past two months, we have been watching with concern the news about coronavirus spreading across the world.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:01 PM IST

PM to address nation on coronavirus outbreak shortly.

Mar 19, 2020, 6:58 PM IST

The total number of positive cases of COVID-19 in India stands at 167 (including 25 foreigners), 4 deaths (1 each) in Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Mar 19, 2020, 6:57 PM IST

Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram has suggested a “total lockdown” of towns and cities to prevent coronavirus from progressing beyond stage-2 to community transmissions, where it spreads exponentially.

Mar 19, 2020, 6:57 PM IST

This is being widely circulated on the social media and has led to panic. Multiple sources that we spoke with have said that there is no such decision on the cards. In fact, Prasar Bharti CEO Shashi Shekhar too took to Twitter to state that there is no need to panic

Mar 19, 2020, 6:54 pm IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today at 8 pm on the situation arising out of coronavirus outbreak and the efforts to combat it.

Mar 19, 2020, 6:56 pm IST

There are rumours abuzz that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi would announce a lockdown that would be ordered when Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation at 8 pm today.

Mar 19, 2020, 6:57 pm IST

Mar 19, 2020, 6:58 pm IST

Mar 19, 2020, 8:01 pm IST

PM to address nation on coronavirus outbreak shortly.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:05 pm IST

This crisis has engulfed the entire human race. For the past two months, we have been watching with concern the news about coronavirus spreading across the world.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:05 pm IST

Even World War I and II did not affect as many countries as coronavirus has done

Mar 19, 2020, 8:10 pm IST

We are healthy then the rest are healthy says PM Modi

Mar 19, 2020, 8:10 pm IST

Govt of India is keeping a close watch on the track record of the spread of Corovnavirus.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:12 pm IST

Social instancing is important says PM Modi

Mar 19, 2020, 8:12 pm IST

For a developing country like ours with a large population the growing challenge of Coronavirus is not a normal situation

Mar 19, 2020, 8:13 pm IST

Isolation is the key here says PM Modi

Mar 19, 2020, 8:15 pm IST

PM Modi says that the peoples’ curfew is needed

Mar 19, 2020, 8:15 pm IST

Mar 19, 2020, 8:16 pm IST

None of the people should remain in their homes starting Sunday, says PM Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:19 pm IST

"If you feel you are okay and nothing will happen to you, you are wrong," says Modi 8 warning the people against ignoring the advice to stay indoors.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:19 pm IST

Janata Curfew will help in fighting coronvirsus

Mar 19, 2020, 8:20 pm IST

"I request people above the age of 60 to not venture out of their homes for the next few weeks," says PM Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:21 pm IST

On 22nd March, from 7 am to 9pm, all countrymen have to follow 'Janta Curfew', says Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:22 pm IST

March 22 lets thank all those people who have been working for us. Let us thank all of them says PM Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:22 pm IST

If possible, please call at least 10 people every day and tell them about the 'Janta Curfew' as well as the measures to prevent coronavirus, says the prime minister

Mar 19, 2020, 8:23 pm IST

The pressure on our hospitals should not increase. Routine check up should be reduced says PM Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:25 pm IST

We have set up a task force. This will be manned by the finance ministry says PM Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:29 pm IST

It is necessary that humans are victorious says PM Modi

Mar 19, 2020, 8:30 pm IST

"I urge all countrymen, that for the next few weeks get out of your house only when it is very important," says PM Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:32 pm IST

Don’t hoard essentials, be sensitive towards others says PM Modi.

Mar 19, 2020, 8:39 pm IST

Mar 19, 2020, 8:43 pm IST