Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, 20 April, requested the various state governments to implement lockdowns only as a last-resort measure, as he addressed the nation amid a deadly second wave of COVID-19.
“States have to try to avoid lockdowns as much as possible and the focus needs to be on effective micro-containment zones,” PM Modi said in a 20-minute televised address to the nation at 8:45 pm.
PM Modi started his address by expressing his sympathies to the people who have lost a dear one to COVID-19 while acknowledging that the country is facing a second wave of COVID-19.
“We should not lose our patience, the challenge is big,” he said.
“I appreciate the effort of all our healthcare workers and frontline staff,” the Prime Minister added.
In his address, PM Modi requested citizens to continue to observe protocol and exercise caution. He appealed to the youth to help enforce COVID-19 appropriate behaviour in their societies and communities.
“There’s a need to spread awareness and be guarded against rumours. We need to guard ourselves against lockdowns, and states also need to understand that,” he said.
He reminded people that if we follow the COVID-19 protocols, lockdown will not be needed.
Surjitt Sahani
