Covid-19: Streets Go Silent As India Observes ‘Janata Curfew’ To Contain Outbreak

Streets of India, the second-most densely populated country in the world, have gone quiet today. The entire nation, as requested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is observing ‘Janata Curfew’ till 9 pm. The nation has vowed to stay indoors in an effort to fight the coronavirus pandemic. On Sunday, March 22, a population of 1.3 billion people woke up to empty streets. Social distancing and self-isolating ourselves has become the need of the hour, We are living in unprecedented times. Now is the time when India needs to stand in solidarity to stop an outbreak that has claimed more than 11,000 lives all across the world. 

In India alone, the number of active cases has risen to 294 as per recent data by the health ministry. The media reports, however, claim that the figure of the total number of positive cases has surged to 324. Shops and restaurants have been shut down, international flights are not allowed to land in India and the streets remain deserted. While these pictures and videos are proof that people are taking the curfew seriously, we really hope after the lockdown gets over we continue to take preventive measures. 

Pan-India Pause To Prevent The Spread

Here’s taking a look at how the otherwise crowded country has turned quiet suddenly. 

Also read: 5 Coronavirus Myths Busted

Delhi

Just the parked on the road, people certainly aren’t stepping out. Take a look at this picture from Kalkaji, South Delhi.

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Mumbai

Uttar Pradesh: India’s Largest State

Meerut

Perfect time for nature to recuperate and animals to step out with no human in sight. Here’s a look at visuals from Meerut.

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Kanpur

Kerala

Karnataka

Chennai

Jharkhand

Jammu & Kashmir

Hyderabad

What Are Different States Doing To Fight COVID-19?

Having understood the gravitas of the crisis, many states are now taking some big steps to contain the virus. While some governments have ordered lockdown in certain districts, some are sanitising roads and others are doing their best to assist people amid the outbreak.

Delhi: CM Arvind Kejriwal has announced that all the Delhi Govt. press conferences will be conducted digitally, considering the fact that journalists also need to prioritise their health and not step out. In addition to this, Rs 4,000- 5,000 pension will be paid to 8.5 lakh beneficiaries by April 7; free rations with 50% more quantity than normal entitlements will be given to 72 lakh beneficiaries; provisions are being made to serve free lunch and dinner to each and every person at all Delhi govt night shelters; GST will be waived to make paid hotel facility more affordable for those quarantined. 

Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi Aditynath has already dropped a hint at a possible lockdown in the state. “We need to prepared for more programs like Janata Curfew”, said Yogi earlier in the morning today. 

Punjab: Punjab Govt has announced Rs 3,000/person to all registered construction workers. The state govt also released Rs 296 cr towards Pensions. The govt has also enforced lockdown till March 31.

Rajasthan: CM Ashok Gehlot has ordered lockdown in the state till March 31.  

Maharashtra: CM Uddhav Thackeray ordered that all workplaces in Mumbai and other metropolitan cities like Pune will remain closed till March 31 to contain the spread of novel coronavirus, State govt has also asked all its offices to avoid the use of air conditioning (AC) system as a precaution against coronavirus.

Gujarat: Cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, and Vadodara will be locked down till March 25. However, shops selling daily essential commodities like vegetables, dairy, and medical items will remain open.

Odisha: CM Naveen Patnaik has announced lockdown in 5 districts and 8 towns from 22 to 29 March, including in the state capital.

As India nears stage 3, it is time we make conscious efforts, value each other’s lives and cooperate as much as possible with the govt. We are in this together. We have to fight coronavirus.

Featured Image: Twitter

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