Highlights: Coronavirus crisis engulfing entire human race, says PM Modi

The novel coronavirus has taken four lives in the country and infected 167 residents in its stage 2 amid calls for ‘total lockdown’ of towns.

Amid the noval coronavirus outbreak across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing India on and will further talk about issues relating to the pandemic diseases and efforts to combat it.

Government of India is keeping a close watch on the track record of the spread of coronavirus, says PM Modi (PTI)

The novel coronavirus has taken four lives in the country and infected 167 residents in its stage 2 amid calls for ‘total lockdown’ of towns and cities to prevent its progress to the next stage of community transmission, that can lead to an exponential rise in infections in a country of over 1.3 billion.

Earlier today, the government announced a ban on all incoming international flights to the country for a period of one week starting Sunday, March 22.

Highlights:

- I want to appeal to everyone that you must venture out of home only if it is absolutely necessary. Senior citizens above 60 years of age must remain indoors: PM Modi

- For the last few days, it looks like if we are safe from coronavirus. This belief is not right. Hence, it is very important for every Indian to remain aware and alert: PM Modi

- For a developing country like ours with a large population the growing challenge of coronavirus is not a normal situation: PM Modi

- Government of India is keeping a close watch on the track record of the spread of coronavirus: PM Modi

- 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: PM Modi

- Restrain is compulsory to protect ourselves and remain healthy. I request that for the coming weeks people should go out of their homes only if essential: PM Modi

- On 22nd March, from 7 am to 9pm, all countrymen have to follow ‘Janta Curfew’: PM Modi

- I request people above the age of 60 to not venture out of their homes for the next few weeks: PM Modi

- 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: PM Modi

- Postpone elective surgeries by a month, avoid routine check-ups to ease pressure on health services: PM Modi

- My countrymen have never disappointed me whenever I have asked something from you. In the face of the acute crisis arising out of coronavirus, I want to ask for next few weeks of yours: PM Modi