New Delhi: On the backdrop of outbreak of novel Coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening addressed the nation and urged citizens of the country to take all possible precautions to prevent the further spread of the deadly virus.

While addressing the nation, PM Modi said that Coronavirus outbreak is a medical emergency for the entire human race and asked people to adopt social distancing for a while.

"For the last few days, it looks like if we are safe from Coronavirus. This belief is not right. Hence, it is very important for every Indian to remain aware and alert," PM Modi said adding that for a developing country like ours with a large population, the growing challenge of Coronavirus is not a normal situation. 

PM Modi also asked citizens to follow Janta Curfew from 7am to 9pm on 22nd March i.e. coming Sunday in order to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. "This will prepare us for future circumstances. I urge all state governments to help comply with this Janta Curfew," he said.


Prime Minister also said that government of India is keeping a close watch on the track record of the spread of Coronavirus.

"Resolution and restraint is very important in combat against this global epidemic. As citizens, people need to strengthen their resolve to follow the advisories issues by state and central governments to fight," PM Modi said.

ALSO WATCH | PM Narendra Modi Calls For Janata Curfew On March 22 From 7 AM To 9 PM



"Today everyone has to take a resolve to not get infected by the Covid-19 and also save others from getting Covid-19. In such a pandemic case, only one mantra works, if we are healthy, then the entire world is healthy," he said.

At a time when there is no medicine have been made for the disease, the only thing to stay safe is restraint, he said. "Don't go in the crowds, avoid going out and what today is being called social distancing in the era of Covid-19 is very useful," PM Modi said.

India on Thursday registered 22 fresh cases of Covid-19 taking the total number of affected persons to 173. At least four people have died, one each from Punjab, Karnataka, Delhi and Maharashtra.