PM Modi announced a total lockdown for next 21 days. (Photo/DD)

Coronavirus in India News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a 21-day total national lockdown in the wake of Coronavirus threat. Delivering his second address to nation for the second time within a week, PM Modi stressed that ‘social distancing’ was the only way to ward off spread of the highly contagious infection. He also ensured that there was no shortage of essential commodities in the country and the government will ensure that the supply is maintained during the lockdown days. “Today India is at the stage where our actions today, will decide that to what extent we can bring down the impact of this disaster. This is the time to strengthen our resolve again and again,” PM Modi said in the televised addressed as the number of Coronavirus cases shot past 500 in the country.

India is hoping to break the chain of Coronavirus spread which has infected hundreds of people so far. The total number of Coronavirus positive cases shot up to 536 in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said. The death toll reached 10, with one person succumbing to the infection in Delhi on Tuesday. This includes 39 discharged people and 10 deaths, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

After break on passenger trains across India, Aviation Ministry said that all domestic flights will also be grounded from Wednesday midnight.

Delhi CM Kejriwal also announced a partial curfew in Delhi while Punjab has announced a complete curfew in the state. The number of cases in Maharashtra and Kerala have gone past 100. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh have also seen a rise in cases so far.

During the period of lockdown, goods services will keep on running. Metro and suburban train services have also been restricted in many cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Chennai, Bangalore, etc. During the lockdown, state administrations have been advised to keep the essential services running. Hospitals, medical stores grocery and vegetable shops are asked to function normally.

Financial Express Online brings to you latest news and updates on Coronavirus lockdown, Stay tuned: