Top Things to Note From Prime Minister’s speech

India’s Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi addressed the nation through a televised speech on Tuesday, April 14. He declared that the lockdown that started from March 23 would continue until May 3, 2020, in the face of coronavirus cases in India crossing 10,000. Here are the top things to take note of from the speech.

• The PM stated that the combat efforts against COVID-19 are in full swing. He acknowledged the difficulties that the countrymen were facing and lauded their efforts towards fighting the outbreak.
• The PM reminded Indians that the government was proactive in controlling the spread of coronavirus, implementing measures such as social distancing, closing down public places, screening international passengers, making quarantine compulsory for people returning from foreign lands, etc. It resulted in India being in a favorable position compared to many other countries in terms of controlling the pandemic.  
• He announced that experts, including the heads of the states, have suggested an extension of the lockdown. Hence it is being extended for 19 more days.  
• The PM warned people that the lockdown regulations would become more stringent to prevent new hotspots from cropping up. The authorities will be closely monitoring public activity.
• He declared that the government would issue complete guidelines on Wednesday.
• He assured that in places where the threat of coronavirus mitigates, some relaxations might be permitted after April 20 as a reprieve to daily wage earners. However, those will be revoked if new infections start resurfacing.
• He stated that to aid the poor, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana is in place. 
• During this harvest season of Rabi crops, the government will consider the interests of farmers.
• The PM also reassured that there is no shortage of medicines and ration in the country. The government is resolving challenges in the maintenance of the supply chain consistently.
• Another piece of encouraging information is that the number of labs for testing coronavirus infection has increased to over 220.
• He also declared that there are developments on the healthcare infrastructure front. There are over 1 lakh beds and more than 600 dedicated hospitals for coronavirus treatment.
• Sri Narendra Modi concluded his speech by requesting the cooperation of the country in seven aspects:
• The aged must be safeguarded, and special care should be taken for those having preexisting health conditions.
• Masks must be worn outdoors, and social distancing must be maintained.
• People should follow the directive of the AYUSH ministry to improve their health and immunity.
• Everyone must download the AarogyaSetu app and help in containing the pandemic.
• Indians should try to care for the people who are suffering from poverty and scarcity of food.
• Businesses must not dismiss their employees.
• People in the frontline, like doctors and healthcare practitioners, cleaners and sweepers, police officers, etc. must be respected for their selfless service amidst the dangers of COVID-19.

Additional Read:- What are the Measures Taken by the Finance Ministry to Tackle Coronavirus in India?

The PM’s motivational words are inspiring the nation to follow lockdown rules and stay united in the fight against coronavirus.