Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation at 6 p.m. on October 20. This is his seventh address to the nation since the COVID-19 pandemic’s outbreak.
With the onset of the festival season, Mr. Modi said this is not the time to be careless as the novel coronavirus is still around and even a small negligence can dampen the festive spirit.
Here are the updates:
Highlight from PM Modi's speech:
We must keep in mind that the lockdown may have ended but the virus is still there.
COVID-19 fatality rate in India is 83 for one million population, while the figure is more than 600 in countries like U.S., Brazil and Spain.
This is not the time to be careless or to believe that COVID-19 has ended.
Of late many people have stopped taking precautions, this is not right.
If you are careless and moving around without mask, you are putting yourself, children and the elderly at risk.
Govt is making all efforts to ensure that COVID-19 vaccine, whenever it is launched, reaches every Indian.
Media personnel, people on social media should campaign and spread public awareness for following COVID-19 guidelines.
PM Modi's address to the nation:
"Dear countrymen, in the fight against coronavirus, we have travelled very far, from the days of the Janata curfew. We can also see the economic activity picking up. Many of us are going out to perform our responsibilities. In this festival season, the markets are looking up. [Coronavirus] Lockdown may have gone but the virus has not gone. This is not the time to act irresponsible or believe that the coronavirus has gone away, or that there is no threat from COVID-19, " warns Prime Minister Narendra Modi
"Of late we have seen videos that show many people have stopped taking precautions, this is not right. This is not the time to become irresponsible or believe that the oronavirus has gone away, or that there is no threat from COVID-19. If you are careless and moving around without mask, you are putting yourself, children and the elderly at risk."
"Many countries were witnessing COVID-19 coming down, but it is going up again. And it is going up alarmingly," adds Mr. Modi
'We cannot led the guard down'
"Jab tak dawai nahi, dhilai nahi [Don't lower your guard until there is a vaccine]. For every 10 lakh population, our COVID-19 infection is 5,500 whereas this figure is nearly 25,000 in countries like the U.S. and Brazil. Our recovery rate is very good and the number of deaths per 10 lakh population is 83," the Prime Ministers claims.
He quotes Kabirdas' doha to say the farmer would think he has done a good job but the job is not done until the harvest reaches home.
"In India too we are working on COVID-19 vaccine, some are in advanced stage. And as and when it comes, we are working on a plan to reach every household as fast as we can," he adds.
He quotes Ramcharitmanas, stating that the book warns that one's enemy and deadly diseases should not be taken lightly.
"It is festival time. It is time for happiness. We are coming out of bad times. Little carelessness can cause big problems, " he adds.
"Do gaj ki doori, safe dostancing, repeatedly washing hands using soaps and wearing masks are a must. I want to see you all safe and healthy. I appeal the media people and those on social media to create awareness on COVID-19 prevention, " urges the Prime Minister.
He extends seasonal greetings to all.
Will share a message with citizens: PM
Urging people to hear the address, the Prime Minister said in a tweet, “Will be sharing a message with my fellow citizens at 6 PM this evening".
(With inputs from PTI)