As Indian authorities began to enforce curbs and restrictions across many states to contain the spread of COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday said many people were not taking the lockdown seriously.
Modi urged state governments to ensure that directives were followed. “Many people are still not taking the lockdown seriously. Please save yourself, save your family, follow the instructions seriously. I request the state governments to get the rules and laws followed,” Modi wrote on twitter. So far seven people were killed because of COVID-19 in India and the number of cases in the country have risen to 421. The federal government has also ordered states to “strictly enforce lockdown” and directed them to initiate legal action against violators.
Indian authorities have imposed lockdown across 80 districts of the country.
Shops, offices, commercial establishments have been shut down in the lockdown areas. Even authorities have put in place the prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (a government order which prohibits assembly of more than four persons in public places) in these areas. Railways, metros and inter-state buses have been stopped in these districts, besides public transport is off the roads.
“The lockdown in Delhi begins today. My dear Delhiites, you faced troubles and contributed in fight against pollution whenever odd-even was implemented. You embraced the massive campaign against dengue. I am pretty confident that you will join this fight against COVID-19 and support the lockdown to protect your families,” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote on twitter. The lockdown was announced a day after millions of Indians stayed indoors on the call of Modi in a bid to self-quarantine for 14 hours. Health experts in India say self-isolation was vital to end the chain of transmission of COVID-19 in India.
