Lockdown Over But COVID-19 Still Around, So Don’t Drop Your Guard: PM Modi

New Delhi: The lockdown may be over, but the coronavirus is still around, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded Indians during his address to the nation on Tuesday evening.

“It has been a long journey from Janta Curfew till now. Economic activities are also increasing. Many people have started going out of their houses. The festival season is around and there is a buzz in the markets,” he said.

“But we must remember that though the lockdown has ended, COVID-19 is still around… With efforts of every Indian over the last 7-8 months, India is in a stable situation, but we must not let it deteriorate… we can’t drop our guard… we can’t take the virus for granted,” said Modi.

“Videos have surfaced of late which show that some people have either stopped taking precautions or have become lax… that is not right. If you are negligent, you are putting the lives of others at risk,” Modi said during his 12-minute speech.

The Prime Minister reassured people that the government is working out a vaccine roll-out process so that every Indian gets it soon after it is developed.

“Till we get a vaccine, we must not think we’ve won the battle against corona, we must not drop our guard,” he said, urging the people to enjoy the festivities by continuing to wear mask, maintain social distancing and wash hands.