As India tackles the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced various measures taken by the country and about the vital aspects of the disease.
“My dear countrymen, I once again have come among you to speak about Coronavirus.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his speech “The resolution that we made on March 22, of a Janata Curfew, all carried it out with the greatest sincerity and came together.”
Mr. Modi says “With one day’s Janata Curfew the country demonstrated that when there is a crisis before the country or humanity, we stand united.
“You are watching what the global situation is with regard to Coronavirus.
‘Most countries are helpless’
“Even the most prosperous of countries have been made helpless by this pandemic.”
The Prime Minister says “It’s not like they don’t have resources or they are not trying, but the virus is such that these efforts are not enough.”
“The experience of these countries in the last two months, and what the experts are also saying is that there is only one way to effectively combat it is social distancing.”
He says “To stop Coronavirus, we must break the cycle of its spread.
“Some people are under the erroneous assumption that social distancing is only for those who are infected, but that is not true. It’s for everyone even for the PM.”
“The irresponsibilty of some people will imperil your life, the life of your children. If this continues then you and India may have to pay a huge price.
21-day lockdown
Mr. Modi says “In the last two days several states have gone under lockdown. Tonight from 12pm, the whole country will come under complete lockdown.”
The Prime Minister says “This is being done to save every citizen of the country.”
Mr. Modi “In every state, every union territory, every district, kasbah is being lockeddown. This is a curfew, stricter than Janata curfew.”
Mr. Modi says “No doubt we will have to pay a cost for this, but to save the life of every Indian is the priority for me, government of India, state governments, local government.”
“As of now the lockdown will be for three weeks, 21 days.”
“I ask that you please stay where you are. The coming 21 days are very important to break the coronavirus infection cycle. If we are not sincere in the curfew for 21 days then the country will fall back 21 years. For 21 days forget about venturing out. Stay home. Just do that one thing.”
Mr. Modi says “Draw a Laxman Rekha outside your door and remember that even step outside of it will bring Coronavirus into your house. Corona yaani koi road par na nikley”.
Mr. Modi says “Experts also say that if today anyone acquired the virus, symptoms arise several days later. Within that time he/she can infect others.”
“WHO says that one infected person can spread it to several people within a week. It’s a fast spreading infection. It took 67 days for the first 100,000 cases. The next 100,000 came up within only 11 days.
“What is most scary that it reached 300,000 within 4 days. You can see how fast it can spread and once it does it’s difficult to stop it.
“In Countries like China, US, Italy, Iran once things went out of hand it’s been difficult to get back control it. Italy and US and UK are considered countries with good health infrastructure and still they are struggling.
Mr. Modi says “The ray of hope has come from the experience from countries where some control has been found over the infection. These are countries that enforced social distance rigorously.
‘Social distancing must’
The Prime Minister says “No matter what we should stay at home. Social distance applies from Prime Minister to every citizen.
“State and Centre are both making efforts to make sure that we tackle this challenge. For sure this challenge will be particularly hard for the poor. Alongside Govt, civil society outfits should help mitigate some of their hardship. We have to prioritise what is required for saving life. The govt has taken advise from WHO, scientists and health experts.”
Mr. Modi says “Government has allotted Rs. 15,000 crores to strengthen health infra to combat coronavirus. This will be spent on testing centres, PPE, ventilators and other equipment. Private sector and private labs have also joined the fight.”
Mr. Modi says “Friends do remember that at such times rumours also abound. Please try and avoid being swayed by rumours.”
The Prime Minister says “I pray that you do not take any medicine without consultation with a doctor.”
Mr. Modi finally asserts “21 days of lockdown is a long time but for the safety of your family this is the only way that we have. I am confident that every Indian will not only combat this difficult situation but will emerge victorious. “
Vakis Demetriou posted a video to his Instagram account last week showing him using a remote controlled drone to walk his dog Oliver while he watches from his “locked down” balcony.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a press conference on March 24 said that last date of filing income tax return for the financial year 2018-19 will now be June 30, 2020. Interest rate on late payment will be reduced to 9 percent from 12 percent. She also said that interest on delayed deposit for TDS will be reduced to 9 percent from 18 percent earlier.
Earlier in the day, Sitharaman had tweeted that an economic package was being readied to cushion the impact of COVID-19 outbreak in the country which has forced many states into a temporary lockdown.
Aadhar, PAN linking date will also be extended to June 30 from March 31 earlier.
Even as we are readying an economic package to help us through the Corona lockdown (on priority, to be announced soon) I will address the media at 2pm today, specifically on statutory and regulatory compliance matters. Via video conference. @FinMinIndia@PIB_India@ANI@PTI_News
The deadline for settling tax disputes under the Vivad se Vishwaas scheme, without paying any interest and penalty, will be extended from March 31, 2020 to June 30.
Last date for filing March, April and May 2020 GST returns is being extended to June 30, 2020, she said.
For companies with a turnover of less than Rs 5 crore, no interest, late fee or penalty will be charged.
No late fee, penalties for companies with a turnover of more than Rs 5 crore but interest would be charged at 9 percent.
Payment date under the ‘Sabka Vishwas’ scheme, which was for settling disputes in the indirect tax regime, has been extended till June 30, 2020.
“We are relaxing holding of board meetings for a period of 60 days till the next two quarters,” Sitharaman said.
Applicability of The Companies Auditors’ Report Order 2020, which was supposed to have come into force in 2019-20, has been shift to 2020-21.
“If there is a company director who does not comply with the minimum residency requirement, it shall not be treated as a violation,” Sitharaman added.
It will not be seen as a violation if independent directors cannot hold a single meeting in FY20.
“We may consider suspending Section 7, 9 and 10 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), at a later stage, if the current situation continues beyond six months,” the FM said.
Sitaraman also added that an economic package would be “announced sooner rather than later.”
Earlier in the day, Sitharaman had tweeted that an economic package was being readied to cushion the impact of COVID-19 outbreak in the country which has forced many states into a temporary lockdown.
As many as 560 districts in India are now under complete lockdown.
So far, India has reported 492 confirmed cases, with 10 dead. The Union Health Ministry said that 37 people have recovered so far.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address the nation at 8 pm today.
“Will address the nation at 8 PM today, 24th March 2020, on vital aspects relating to the menace of COVID-19,” the PM tweeted.
वैश्विक महामारी कोरोना वायरस के बढ़ते प्रकोप के संबंध में कुछ महत्वपूर्ण बातें देशवासियों के साथ साझा करूंगा। आज, 24 मार्च रात 8 बजे देश को संबोधित करूंगा।
Will address the nation at 8 PM today, 24th March 2020, on vital aspects relating to the menace of COVID-19.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces 21-day nationwide lockdown. Announces Rs 15,000 crore for PPE, ICU, ventilators and testing facilities. As the number of positive cases in India jumps to 564 and the death toll stands at 10, the lockdown comes into effect in 75 districts in the country. Multiple new positive cases have been reported from various parts of the country. As Maharashtra remains the worst-affected in India, section 144 has been imposed in the state from Monday
9: 30 PM | CHENNAI
Three fresh cases detected in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar, in a tweet, announced that three new cases have been identified in Chennai. One of the cases, a 65-year-old male, is a returnee from New Zealand who is being treated in a private hospital. The second one, a 55-year-old woman, has been admitted to Kilpauk Medical College Hospital.
The third one, who is being treated at Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital, is a 25-year-old male who recently returned from London. With this, there are 17 cases in Tamil Nadu, which also includes two foreign nationals.
8:30 PM | TIRUPATI
New case in Tirupati
One more positive COVID-19 case has been reported at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Total positive cases in the State is now eight.
7:40 PM
New cases detected in Gurugram, Uttar Pradesh
Two more positive COVID-19 cases have been detected in Gurugram, taking the total number to 10. Of the total 232 samples taken so far, reports for 50 samples are still awaited.
COVID-19 positive count in Uttar Pradesh shot up to 37 with three fresh cases in Noida and one in Shamli.
7:20 PM | MANGALURU
Three new cases test positive in Mangaluru
Three persons from Kasaragod district tested postive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, according to a statement by Deputy Commissioner Sindhu B Rupesh. A total of five passengers who arrived at the Mangaluru International Airport have been tested positive so far.
7.00PM | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
With 14 new cases, Kerala overtakes Maharashtra in active case count
Kerala reports 14 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the number of those undergoing treatment to 105, announced the State’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Kerala has overtaken Maharashtra, whose confirmed cases numbered 104 today.
Government takes over the closed down Anjarakandy Kannur medical college for converting it as designated or special hospital in the wake of increasing cases of COVID in Kannur and neigbhouring districts.
6:50 PM | CHANDIGARH
Haryana to appoint 447 new doctors, creates revolving fund of ₹100 crore for medical departments
In an effort to contain COVID-19, the Haryana government on Tuesday decided to appoint 447 recently selected doctors besides creating a revolving fund of ₹100 each for the departments at the forefront of the battle against the infection.
Among the other health measures, the government decided to notify hospitals for the treatment of the victims apart from allowing private laboratories at four places to conduct tests. The cost of tests referred to the private laboratories will be borne by the state government.
6:35 PM | DELHI
22 private lab chains registered with ICMR for coronavirus tests: Health ministry
At least 22 private laboratory chains, having around 15,500 collection centres spread all over the country, have been registered with the Indian Council of Medical Research (CMR) till Tuesday for conducting COVID-19 tests, Health Ministry officials said.
Besides, 118 government laboratories have been included in the ICMR network of COVID-19 testing. The network has a capacity to test 12,000 samples daily. In the last five days, on an average, 1,338 samples have been tested by government labs each day, an ICMR official said.
6:15 PM | CAIRO, EGYPT
Egypt imposes night-time curfew for two weeks starting March 25
Egypt will impose a night-time curfew for two weeks from March 25 to contain the spread of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli announced.
“Movement will be banned on all public roads from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m…. for two weeks,” Mr. Madbouli told a Tuesday news conference.
“All mass transport, public and private, will be halted over the same period,” he said and added that penalties for violators include a fine of up to 4,000 Egyptian pounds (just over $250) and even imprisonment.
6:05 PM | BHOPAL
Two new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday take count to nine in Madhya Pradesh
Two persons, one each in Shivpuri and Gwalior districts, tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, taking the total count in Madhya Pradesh to nine.
“Some days ago the person had returned from abroad, and had been in home quarantine since,” said Shivpuri Collector Anugraha P. “Today, the person, on being tested positive, has been shifted to the isolation ward of the district hospital, where doctors are monitoring the case. The condition of the person is stable now.”
Ms. Anugraha advised people to stay home for at least 14 days in a bid to contain the disease. She further said the district had been put under lockdown until March 31, during which only essential services will be available.
Meanwhile, a person in Gwalior district, who had returned from Khajuraho in Chhatarpur district recently, has tested positive. “The person may have come in contact with an infected foreign national there,” said a Gwalior district official.
5:50 PM | PUNJAB
Six new cases in Punjab, tally increases to 29
With six fresh cases reported on Tuesday, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Punjab have reached 29, said a government statement.
5.00 PM
I&B orders State governments to facilitate print and electronic media outlets to fight fake news around COVID-19
In a bid to fight ‘fake news’, rumours and speculations that have been doing rounds on social media regarding the coronavirus, the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry has issued directions to all State governments to facilitate functioning of all print and electronic media outlets.
In an order issued on Monday, the Ministry has said that proper functioning of the media network is essential to create awareness among people, to give important messages and also to keep the nation updated of the latest status.
“False and fake news need to be avoided and good practices need to be promoted and these network play a pivotal role in ensuring the same,” the Ministry said in its directive.
4.40 PM
Country should have taken coronavirus threat more seriously: Congress
The Congress on Tuesday alleged that the government is criminally culpable of not defining specifications of personal protection equipment for doctors and health workers till March 2, with party leader Rahul Gandhi saying the country should have taken the coronavirus threat more seriously.
04.00PM
India covid19 cases increased to 523
Based on a combination of numbers reported by the central Health Ministry, and updates from the States, the total number of confirmed cases in the country on March 24 stands at 523.
On Monday, the government announced a slew of measures, including the suspension of all domestic flight operations until the end of March, to slow down the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Thirty States and Union Territories moved to a complete lockdown mode, and governments warned of strict punitive action against those who violate preventive measures.
Number of positive COVID-19 cases in India: 523 | Deaths: 10 | Active cases: 471
3.10 PM | JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Two persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir. Total number of cases stands at 6, according to a government spokesperson.
Three more cases in Telangana
With three new COVID-19 cases reported in Telangana, the State total has climbed to 36.
2.40 PM | KARNATAKA
Three new cases have been reported in Karnataka, raising the State total to 38. Orders have been issued to extend the lockdown to the entire State till April 1.
New COVID 19 helpline numbers 080-46848600 and 080-66692000 are now functional in the State, apart from the existing helpline number 104 Arogya Sahayavani.
2.30 PM | GOA
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced a hundred percent lockdown in the State from midnight.
2. 20 PM | MANIPUR
Statewide curfew clamped in Manipur
A statewide curfew was declared in Manipur after a 23-year-old woman tested positive for COVID-19, officials said.
The State was on Monday evening placed under a lockdown till March 31, however, people were still venturing out, they said.
The curfew was imposed to further check the movement of people in the wake of the first COVID-19 case in the northeastern region being reported from the state, they said.
It will remain in force till further orders, they said.
2.10 PM | WEST BENGAL
Two new cases in West Bengal
The number of cases in West Bengal has increased to nine with two new cases reported today. Both patients have a history of foreign travel. One person returned from London and the other from Egypt.
1.40 PM | SIKKIM
Sikkim to be under lockdown
Sikkim will be placed under lockdown from 6 am on Wednesday till March 31 to check the spread of coronavirus.
Jacob Khaling Rai, the political secretary to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, said all shops and business establishments will remain shut throughout the State. Private vehicles and taxis will not be allowed to ply.
Essential services such as pharmacies, petrol pumps, LPG supply and movement of government and Army vehicles have been kept out of the purview of the lockdown.
Other essential services such as telecom, internet, postal, banks and ATMs will remain operational during the period. Civil defense personnel will also be exempted.
1.35 PM | TAMIL NADU
Chennai reports three new cases
Three people from Chennai have been diagnosed with COVID-19. All three of them have recently reported from abroad. Two of them have been admitted to Stanley medical college hospital, while the third one is undergoing treatment at KMC. Their conditions are stable, State Health department said.
1.35 PM | MADHYA PRADESH
MP govt designates Bhopal Memorial Hospital as treatment facility
The Madhya Pradesh government has issued an order designating the ICMR-run Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC), which caters to Bhopal gas tragedy survivors, as the State-level COVID-19 treatment facility.
Only patients suffering from the infection will be treated there now, read an order issued by Pallavi Jain Govil, Principal Secretary, Public Health and Family Welfare Department.
So far, the State has recorded seven cases: six in Jabalpur, and one in Bhopal. On Monday night, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan imposed curfew in both the cities.
.30 PM | UTTAR PRADESH
The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to extend lockdown in 17 districts to the entire State (75 districts) by Wednesday morning.
1.15 PM
India has tremendous capacity in eradicating coronavirus pandemic: WHO
India, which led the world in eradicating two silent killers – smallpox and polio – in the past, has a tremendous capacity in eradicating the deadly coronoavirus pandemic that has now claimed nearly 15,000 lives globally, according to a top WHO official.
The executive director of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Michael Ryan, said India, the world’s second most populous country, has a tremendous capacity to deal with the coronavirus outbreak as it has the experience of eradicating the small-pox and polio through targeted public intervention.
12.40 PM | MAHARASHTRA
Third death in Mumbai
A 65 year old man who tested positive for COVID-19 succumbed in Mumbai’s Kasturba Hospital on Monday. The patient was brought in critical condition and died within hours of admission. This is the third death from Mumbai.
12.30 PM | KARNATAKA
All Indira canteens to be closed in Karnataka
Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Tuesday said all Indira canteens will remain closed during the COVID-19 lockdown period to avoid gathering of large number of people.
On Monday, the State government had announced that Indira Canteens would provide food free of cost for the benefit of daily wage workers and poor people in the wake of a complete lockdown.
When asked about what alternative the government would provide, he said , “Closure of canteens is needed to avoid the rush near the canteen as it may lead to problems.”
11.50 AM | DELHI
Modi to address nation at 8 pm today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 8 p.m. today, March 24 on vital aspects relating to the menace of COVID-19, he tweeted.
11.40 AM | TAMIL NADU
TN CM announces ₹3,280 crore package for low income groups
Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Tuesday announced a ₹3,280 crore package to provide relief to the poor, senior citizens, agricultural labourers, autorickshaw drivers, construction workers and daily wagers who would be affected by the lock-down necessitated as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19.
In a suo motu statement in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said all the ration card-holders would get ₹1000 and free rice, dal, cooking oil and sugar.
11.20 AM | DELHI
Sonia writes to Modi on plight of construction workers
Congress President Sonia Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on rolling emergency measures for construction industry workers.
In her letter, Ms Gandhi said construction industry employs over 44 million people and is the second largest employer in India. They should be given emergency welfare measures such wage support.
10.20 AM | MAHARASHTRA
COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra crosses 100
Three persons from Pune have tested positive for the pandemic, while another case has been reported from Satara, taking the total number of cases in Maharashtra to 101.
9.40 AM | MAHARASHTRA
12 Mumbai patients on the way to recovery
In a positive development, a repeat test of Maharashtra’s index patients — the Pune couple — came negative on Monday. Civic officials in Pune said that samples of the couple will be sent for testing again on Tuesday and if they are negative, the husband and wife will be discharged from the hospital.
Twelve COVID-19 patients admitted in Mumbai have tested negative in their two consecutive samples.
9.30 AM
UP govt extends lockdown to entire state
The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to extend the lockdown, currently being enforced in 17 districts, to the entire state to combat coronavirus and an announcement on the duration of the curbs is likely later on Tuesday, a senior official said.
“All of UP to be locked down by Wednesday,” Additional Chief Secretary of Information Awanish Awasthi said, without providing further details.Seventeen of the state’s 75 districts that reported positive cases of coronavirus have already been placed under lockdown. Uttar Pradesh has reported 33 cases of coronavirus, including a foreigner.
