Nation observes ‘Janta Curfew’ – millions indoors as the shutdown begins

Amid the reports of new confirmed cases of covid-19 positive, India is witnessing the biggest shutdown to combat the virus.

India is witnessing a total shut down across the country; janata curfew was called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday intending to break the spread of the virus.  Fresh cases emerging from various states across the nation and the total number of recorded cases of corona virus has crossed 300 since yesterday. The virus is spreading exponentially globally and India has witnessed a whooping raise in the infection positive cases in the last few days.

“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,” PM Modi tweeted moments before the “Janata curfew” came into effect.

The one-day “janata curfew” or “self quarantine” is, one of the biggest national exercises in the world, has emerged as a  necessity due to the rising cases of COVID-19 across India.  PM Modi had said in a 29-minute address to the nation: “There is no cure for this, so we need to remain healthy. We need to avoid crowds and stay home, social distancing is critical.  If you think you can roam around as usual and feel you will not be at risk, this is incorrect; you are endangering yourself and your family.”

A woman in Pune and a man in West Bengal – both without any history of foreign travel – tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday, raising worries about possible community transmission as COVID-19 cases in India climbed to 315 on Saturday.

All the business and government establishments will remain shut today, the ones dealing in essential items and services.  Business sector has volunteered and announced they would follow the PM’s call for self-quarantine.

Transport services will be affected across the country. No trains – long-distance or suburban – will run, the railway has said, but those already in the run will complete their journey and won’t be stopped during the day. Several airlines including IndiGo and GoAir have said they will either operate in minimum capacity or cancel all flights. And the metro trains will be un-operational in Delhi, Bengaluru and other cities.