The Prime Minister took to Twitter to thank people for supporting healthcare workers fighting COVID-19
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked the tens of thousands of Indians who clapped and banged utensils in unison this evening to show gratitude to health workers at the forefront of the fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country.
The Prime Minister, in a televised address to the nation on Thursday, had asked people to boost the morale of doctors, nurses and emergency workers by appearing on their balconies and porches at 5 pm and making as much noise as they could for five minutes.
Clanging sounds rang out at several parts of the country in response. Several people also sang bhajans (religious songs) and shouted patriotic slogans.
"This is the sound of thanks and also the start of victory in a long battle against coronavirus. Let us carry this determination and settle down for a long fight," the Prime Minister tweeted in Hindi.
"The country has thanked each person who is fighting against the novel coronavirus," he added. However, the PM also cautioned people against complacency following the end of the curfew at 9 pm.
"Just because the curfew will end at 9 pm it does not mean we celebrate. Do not consider this a success. If we come together, we can beat this big challenge," he said.
"Follow the instructions issued by central and state governments. In districts and states where lockdown is announced, do not leave house unless it is an emergency," he added.
President Ram Nath Kovind led the way by appearing outside Rashtrapati Bhavan with his family and clapping for five minutes. In a tweet posted on the official account, the President said he was grateful to healthcare workers who risked their lives to fight the virus.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also took to Twitter to thank people and said their actions expressed "deep gratitude towards all those who are struggling to fight coronavirus".
"Look at our Indian Women's Hockey team! On the passionate appeal by our PM Narendra Modi ji, millions and millions of our fellow citizens expressed deep gratitude towards all those who are struggling to fight Coronavirus," he said.
BJP MP Gautam Gambhir said the noise created was "unbelievable" and reflected "unanimous support" for the Prime Ministerd's curfew call.
"UNBELIEVABLE! No words to describe such unanimous support for #JantaCurfew! Proud of my countrymen! I thank all those working tirelessly to keep us safe from the bottom of my heart! Jai Hind!" the cricketer-turned-politician said.
Support was also expressed by Union Minister Anurag Thakur, who said: "Salute, Gratitude, Respect. Towards all those on the frontline fighting coronavirus".
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan also tweeted. He said the clapping "brought so much cheer". He also warned people that they may have to thank medical professionals once more before the fight was won.
Former Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar also tweeted. He said: "Today India came together even while staying in our homes. While we are at home there are many who are selflessly performing their duties. Thank you to each one of you for putting us before yourself".
India is currently observing a 14-hour "Janata (public) curfew" that began at 7 am. The curfew was called for by the Prime Minister earlier this week and has been seen by many as a test run for a more intensive and long-term lockdown of towns and cities, aimed at halting the spread of the virus.
The curfew has been extended by several state governments, which have already shut down public spaces like shopping malls, restaurants, pools, gyms and cinemas, as well as schools and colleges. Punjab and Rajasthan have announced a lockdown that involves stopping all public transport.
This morning Indian Railways decided to shut down all services till March 31. Interstate bus and metro services across the country will also be shut down. International flights have already been banned for a week and many airlines have talked about reducing flights.
The country has reported over 360 cases of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, infection since the outbreak began in China's Wuhan district in December last year; nearly half that number has been recorded in the past 48 hours alone.
At least seven deaths have been linked to the virus, with an eighth waiting confirmation by health officials in Gujarat. Worldwide over 10,000 have died and more than three lakh have been infected.