New Delhi / Bhubaneswar: An unprecedented lockdown, in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed as ‘Janata Curfew’, to battle the coronavirus is being observed all over India since 7 am on Sunday with roads wearing deserted looks and ‘non-essential services’ closed.
The Prime Minister has called upon the people to observe the Janata Curfew by staying at home from 7 am to 9 pm, in a bid to practice social distancing and promote self-discipline.
Appealing the citizens of the world’s largest democracy to exhibit resolve and exercise restraint to overcome the national disaster caused by COVID-19, he has advised the people to encourage health care sector workers and others engaged in essential services who are at the forefront of the fight against the corona pandemic by clapping or beating steel plates for five minutes at 5 pm on Sunday.
In Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced lockdown of 40 per cent of the state till 9 pm on March 29. As a result, people are by and large spending time indoors.