A Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday morning has become an example of social distancing. In a picture shared on social media, all the ministers can be seen sitting at an appropriate distance from each other.
The meeting came a day after Modi asked people to maintain social distancing and announced a 21-day countrywide lockdown.
Indians Practice Social Distancing
The general public in various Indian states such as Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh also practiced social distancing while availing essential services outside shops. While at some places the technique was successful, people failed to abide by it in other parts of the country.
Lucknow: People in the city practice #socialdistancing at vegetable/fruit shops and pharmacies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation yesterday had appealed to people to maintain social distancing to combat #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/8fC2EvNcG3
Delhi: Women standing in a queue outside a bank in Paharganj refused to maintain social distancing and were dispersed by police personnel. They later reassembled keeping distance after Police assured them that banks and ATMs will remain open amid #21daylockdownpic.twitter.com/xFTpQ1Gm5m
Meanwhile, the lockdown and measures to control the coronavirus pandemic were discussed during the cabinet meeting.
People violating the lockdown could face two years in jail and a fine. Apart from essential service providers, everyone has been asked to stay inside their houses.
India has recorded more than 500 cases of COVID19 and 11 deaths.