Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the formation of COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force to deal with the economic implications of the coronavirus epidemic, in a special address to the nation through a video. Announcing that the task force would be led by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, PM Modi said that it would look into the economic challenges arising out of coronavirus outbreak.
The business and other activities across major cities and towns have been brought to a virtual standstill in recent days as authorities try to control the spread of COVID-19.
This has caused severe problems for people from middle and lower income groups, said the PM, as he appealed to higher-end businesses to be more generous towards their employees in these times.
Expressing concern over the uncertainty around the possible vaccine for curing coronavirus, PM Modi noted that the outbreak was like no other seen in recent human history. "Even World War 1 didn't affect as many countries as the coronavirus already has," he said. The Prime Minister appealed to the public to exercise utmost precaution and avoid venturing out of home unless utmost necessary. "I especially appeal to senior citizens above the age of 60 and children below the age of 10 to stay indoors for the next few weeks," he said.
The PM has called upon the citizens to observe a self-imposed curfew on March 22 from 7 AM to 9 PM, what he termed as 'janata curfew', so to help in controlling the spread of the virus. At 5 PM on Sunday, I would like to ask everyone to come out in their balconies or outside their homes and clap their hands, ring bells and make other noise gestures as token of appreciation to all the health workers and those on the frontlines, fighting the coronavirus, the PM said.
Also read: Janata Curfew on Sunday; PM Modi asks nation to resort to pro-active measures in wake of COVID-19
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