To prevent the spreading of coronavirus, New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered to begin a “complete” lockdown for India’s 1.3 billion people this week. Catch the full article below for more details!

India, population 1.3 billion, orders ‘complete’ coronavirus lockdown!

According to the government, the lockdown will begin at midnight at local time. Furthermore, it should last for at least 21 days and take place in all of 36 states and territories of India. “You have seen the worldwide situations arising from the coronavirus pandemic in the news. And you have also seen how the most powerful nations have become helpless in the face of this pandemic”. Modi stated on national live television on Tuesday evening.

In the same time, the international boundary will be locked to prevent people from travelling from Europe countries. During the past week, the police stopped a protest against the country’s Civil Rights Amendment Act at Shaheen Bagh of Delhi when the government passed the ban of public gatherings. Modi shared that this is a necessary measure to help protect the population. He also referred to experience from other countries.

“What the experts are saying is that social distancing is the only option to combat coronavirus. That is to remain apart from each other and stay confined to within your homes. There is no other way to remain safe from coronavirus. If we have to stop the spread, we have to break the cycle of infection,” Modi said. Above all, the necessary services such as water, electricity, health services, fire services, groceries and municipal services will continue to operate.”If we don’t handle proper pandemic, it could bring the country back for decades”. On the other hand, India has so far reported a total of 519 coronavirus cases, including 10 deaths and 39 patients cured (based on the report from the Ministry of Health). 

Economic solutions 

The India Government has announced solutions to help soften the negative economic effect from the shutdown. Furthermore, the deadline for submission of tax returns will also be extended for an additional three months. Besides, they also free minimum bank balance and there will be no fee if their customers use ATMs of other banks.