Coronavirus: India Observes 14-Hour Janata Curfew to Combat Pandemic
India is observing a 14-hour long curfew to try to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
PM Narendra Modi announced the Janata curfew last week, telling citizens that it would be a test in order to assess the country’s ability to fight the virus.
The prime minister urged citizens to stay indoors from 07:00 until 21:00 on March 22.
India has so far recorded 315 cases.
Narendra Modi tweet: “Let us all be a part of this curfew, which will add tremendous strength to the fight against Covid-19 menace. The steps we take now will help in the times to come.”
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According to NDTV, transport across India has been affected by the curfew. No long-distance or suburban trains are running; however, those already running before the curfew will not be stopped.
Images from various cities in India show roads and towns mainly empty.
In Delhi, all stores were closed apart from those selling essentials, and pharmacies. Religious places canceled activities as part of the curfew.
PM Modi has asked people at 17:00 on March 22 to stand at balconies or near windows and clap or ring bells to show their appreciation for medical professionals and sanitation workers.
Some parts of India have already enforced shutdowns.
Rajasthan ordered a shutdown until March 31. Four cities in the state of Gujarat have introduced similar measures until March 25.
India has barred entry to everyone, including citizens, flying from certain countries, including most European nations. It has also canceled most entry visas for people flying in from other countries.
Popular Indian monuments – such as the 16th Century Red Fort in Delhi – have been shut to visitors to prevent large gatherings.
The Taj Mahal, India’s most iconic monument, closed its doors on March 17, along with more than 140 other monuments and museums.