PM Modi/File
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the coronavirus outbreak in India on Thursday at 8 PM. During his address, the prime minister will talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it. The deadly novel coronavirus has claimed 3 lives in India and 151 COVID-19 positive cases have been reported so far.
Earlier today, PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain Coronavirus and ways to further strengthen India's preparedness were discussed. The prime minister emphasized on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organizations in chalking out mechanisms to fight the COVID-19 menace. He also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next. He expressed gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating COVID-19 including the various State Governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with the aviation sector, municipal staff and others.
Earlier on Monday, PM Modi took to Twitter and said many people are highlighting different aspects of how India is combating COVID-19. On Tuesday, the prime minister held a telephonic conversation with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, and the two leaders discussed the global situation arising out of the coronavirus outbreak.
Earlier this week, he participated in a video conference of SAARC leaders to prepare a joint strategy to tackle the pandemic. The government had on Tuesday banned the entry of passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia to India with immediate effect, according to an additional travel advisory. This instruction is a temporary measure and shall be in force till March 31 and will be reviewed subsequently. The government has also banned the entry of passengers from the European Union countries, Turkey and the United Kingdom from March 18 till 31 to check the spread of the virus.
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(with inputs from agencies)
