CoronaVirus is ripping apart the economy and normal livelihood of millions across the globe. Hugely populous India is beginning to face the brunt of Level 2 and 3 transmission of the virus in the country. There has been a significant surge in the total count which mounts to 3787, including 107 deaths. The major regions affected are Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi NCR Region and Rajasthan.
As the results of the lockdown began to show, the spread of coronavirus cases was clamped to a considerably manageable number with no major community spread. Most of the new cases were with known travel history or contacts of already positive patients.
However, the spurt in the number of cases converting from the Nizamuddin Markaz event in Delhi is sending jitters across the country.
Guidelines to Follow for 9 Minutes Lighting Ceremony at 9PM IST Today!
As the nation faces a stiff battle to contain coronavirus, the spurt in the number of cases seems to be creating a panic across the society. Adding to the obstacles, people from a certain community are resisting all curbs and regulations, pelting stones on healthcare workers, spitting on police and creating ruckus to the prevention and quarantine efforts.
Earlier this week, PM Modi delivered a speech for 9 minutes at 9AM on Friday. In this speech, PM Modi requested his fellow citizens to light ‘diyas’ or ‘candles’ in their balconies or walkways at 9PM on Sunday for 9 minutes.
The following guidelines are supposed to be strictly followed during this 9 minute solidarity event:
- Tonight, at 9PM Please DO NOT switch off your appliances. It will cause grid blackouts due to entire country doing it at the same time.
- State Electricity Boards have asked citizens NOT to switch off lights and appliances all at the same time as it could cause a blackout.
- Tonight, at 9 PM, let’s all go into our balconies and hold a ???? or ????️ to signify that we are all together in this fight against corona.
- DO NOT use alcohol-based hand sanitizers before lighting diyas or candles. Alcohol is flammable.
While India battles the virus outbreak, PM Modi’s efforts to lift up the spirits of the nation’s citizens have been supported as well as mocked upon. There were several memes on social media about PM Modi’s request to the nation for Sunday.
Will the National Lockdown Be Extended?
The national lockdown in India is effective until the 14th of April. It is most likely to be converted to states/district specific lockdowns from the 15th of April.
