Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation at 8 pm on March 19th, 2020 the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that Modi will not announce a lockdown.
Modi will address the nation on issues relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) and the efforts to combat it.
“Some media outlets are speculating that PM Modi will announce a lockdown in his address. This information is incorrect. It will also create unnecessary panic in the minds of people, which is the last thing we need in times like these,” MEA said during a media briefing.
On March 18th, 2020, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had announced that Modi will be addressing the nation about COVID-19.
“PM Shri @narendramodi will address the nation on 19th March 2020 at 8 PM, during which he will talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it,” PMO tweeted.
In another tweet, the PMO said that Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19. “Ways to further strengthen India’s preparedness were discussed,” it said.
Modi has emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking out mechanisms to fight the coronavirus menace.
He has also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next.
The MEA also said that the ministry is strengthening the control room established to deal with coronavirus disease.
Photo credit: sinceindependence.com
