India is observing a "Janata (public) Curfew" today from 7 am to 9 pm after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for social distancing to curb the spread of highly contagious coronavirus.
"Under this Janata (public) curfew, no one should leave their home or gather in their neighbourhoods. Only those related to essential services should go out," PM Modi said in a televised address to the nation on Thursday.
Minutes before the start of the curfew this morning, he tweeted this morning: "In a few minutes from now, the #JantaCurfew commences. Let us all be a part of this curfew, which will add tremendous strength to the fight against COVID-19 menace. The steps we take now will help in the times to come. Stay indoors and stay healthy. #IndiaFightsCorona. (sic)."
India has witnessed a record spike in the number of coronavirus cases in the last two days with over 100 fresh cases; figures shot up from 170 on Thursday to 315 on Saturday. The pandemic has wreaked havoc across the world, infecting over 2 lakh people.
Across the country, several states have announced partial shutdowns and imposed restrictions on people's movement and gatherings as part of precautionary measures to contain the pandemic.
