Lockdown should be last resort, says Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the second wave of the coronavirus had hit India like a storm but appealed to states to use lockdowns only as the last resort. He also stressed on self-discipline to fight the infection, urging people to step out only if necessary.

“‘We should prevent a lockdown. If you all work together, create awareness then there is no need for containment, never mind a lockdown. I appeal to states that they should use the lockdown as the last resort – our focus should be micro-containment zones. We will take care of economic health as well as the health of countrymen,” Modi said in his address to the nation this evening.

 

“Our effort is to save lives. But the impact on economic activities and livelihoods should also be as less as possible.”

 

The Prime Minister said that a nationwide lockdown was off the table for now, while listing his government’s efforts to ensure enough oxygen, beds and vaccine.

 

There was “no question of a lockdown”, he said, if citizens — especially younger people — came forward and helped check the spread of Covid.

 

“You must step out only if necessary. I assure you, the nation won’t spare any effort to resolve today’s crisis.”

 

Modi referred to the Ram Navami and Ramzan festivals to underscore his message.

 

“Today is the last day of Navaratri. Tomorrow is Ram Navami. Maryada purushottam Ram’s message is for us to be disciplined. It is also the 7th day of Ramzan. The festival teaches us patience and discipline. Patience and discipline are both needed to fight COVID.”