'Ensure All Essentials Are Available': PM Modi Urges People To Avoid Panic-Buying

Prime Minister's tweet came after people across the country started thronging the shops to buy essential items in view of the nationwide three-week lockdown starting Tuesday midnight.

People started thronging the shops to buy essential items in view of the nationwide three-week lockdown. (Image: PTI)

New Delhi: Soon after announcing a 21-day nationwide lockdown to prevent the further outbreak of deadly Coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens of the country not to panic and gather around grocery stores to stock ration as it would increase the risk of spreading further spread of the virus. In a tweet, PM Modi said: "By converging around shops, you are risking the spread of COVID-19. No panic buying please. Please stay indoors. I repeat — Centre and state governments will ensure all essentials are available." Prime Minister's tweet came after people across the country started thronging the shops to buy essential items in view of the nationwide three-week lockdown starting Tuesday midnight.

By converging around shops, you are risking the spread of COVID-19.

No panic buying please. Please stay indoors. I repeat- Centre and State Governments will ensure all essentials are available. https://t.co/bX00az1h7l — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020

"My fellow citizens, there is absolutely no need to panic. Essential commodities, medicines etc. would be available. Centre and various state governments will work in close coordination to ensure this. Together, we will fight COVID-19 and create a healthier India," PM Modi said in another tweet. On Tuesday evening, in his second address to the nation amid Coronavirus outbreak, PM Modi said, "With folded hands, I request you to stay put wherever you are."

My fellow citizens,

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED TO PANIC. Essential commodities, medicines etc. would be available. Centre and various state governments will work in close coordination to ensure this. Together, we will fight COVID-19 and create a healthier India. Jai Hind! — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020

He added that he was mindful of the economic ramifications of the decision. Modi warned that if people don't follow a complete lockdown for the coming 21 days, the nation will go back 21 years and many families will be devastated. He also said many powerful countries in the world have become helpless, regardless of their efforts. He once again reiterated that social distancing was the only way to deal with the dreaded virus that has infected more than 500 people in India so far. WATCH REPORT | "No Panic Buying Please," Tweets PM Modi After Announcing Nationwide Lockdown "Some people are under the misconception that social distancing is only for those infected with coronavirus... But they should understand that this is for everyone because it is important to break the cycle," PM Modi said via video conferencing. Meanwhile, he death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 11 in the country with Delhi reporting second death while the number of Coronavirus-positive cases, including casualties, in India reached 519 on Tuesday, the Union Health Ministry figures revealed.