In the wake of novel coronavirus spread in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the citizens to follow a one-day 'Janata Curfew' on Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm.

Modi said in an address to the nation that the 'Janata Curfew' would be to test India's ability to take tough measures against what he called a growing crisis.

On those lines, Modi also urged people thank people like doctors, medical personnel, cleaning staff, for their service during such crucial times by standing up in your balcony, door, window to clap, blow conch or ring bell for 5 minutes in support of the medical staff and their services at 5 pm on 22 March.

In the same time, he also requested citizens to avoid going to hospitals for a routine check-up to ease pressure on medical staff.

Moreover, talking about measures to prevent coronavirus, Modi also asked citizens to help spread the awareness about Janata Curfew to others,

"If possible, please call at least 10 people every day and tell them about the 'Janta curfew' as well as the measures to prevent coronavirus," he said.

The Prime Minister also requested senior citizens to remain indoors for the next few weeks.

He cautioned citizens to not be immune to the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus. He said social distancing was very important in such times. He said taking “sankalp and sanyam" (pledge and patience) were two important features to conquer the virus.

"Social distancing is extremely important and effective in reducing the impact of coronavirus. All senior citizens in our family should not get out of houses. I request all people in the country to get out of the house only when it is extremely necessary, try and do all work from home," he said.

The total number of novel coronavirus cases in India rose to 166 today after a record number of fresh cases reported from the various parts of the country. Maharashtra is the worst affected state with the maximum number of cases. According to the data released by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total tally includes 141 Indian nationals and 25 foreigners.

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