Some 1.2 billion Indians have responded in unprecedented ways to a self-imposed curfew with most cities looking deserted on Sunday morning. People will remain indoors for 14 hours until 9 p.m. (Indian Standard Time) to limit the fast-spreading coronavirus epidemic in the country. As per the Indian Health Ministry, 315 people have so far been found to have the disease. Train and metro services will remain closed during the day.
“Let us all be a part of this curfew, which will add tremendous strength to the fight against the COVID-19 menace. The steps we take now will help in the times to come", Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people minutes before the curfew commenced.
Public broadcasters and people have been sharing view of streets across India and claimed that people have listened to the appeal made by Modi.
Modi has appealed to his fellow countrymen to clap, ring bells in a bid to show support for the works of doctors, nurses, and emergency personnel who are putting their lives on the line to fight the epidemic.
Meanwhile, several Indian states including Rajasthan, Mizoram, and Goa, have announced partial lockdowns to curb the spread of the coronavirus. A few cities including Ahmedabad, Surat of Modi’s home state of Gujarat have declared a complete shutdown.
The Indian government has already announced the banning of international commercial passenger aircraft from landing in India for a week starting 22 March.