India will be placed under a strict lockdown for 21 days with effect from midnight on Tuesday to ensure that people do not venture out amid the coronavirus outbreak.

This was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening.

While addressing the nation at 8 pm on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi said, “This (lockdown) is in effect a curfew across the nation.”

He said, “Nobody will be allowed to leave their houses starting tonight.”

“The only way to protect us from Coronavirus is not to cross the ‘Lakshman Rekha’ of our homes,” said the PM.

He, however, said, “We are making efforts that there is no difficulty in daily life. We are taking all steps to ensure continuous essential supplies.”

Stating that the lockdown will be in effect for 21 days or 3 weeks, Modi urged the people of the nation to stay put where there are.

He said if India fails to observe the lockdown for 21 days, the country will be set back by 21 years.

“For 21 days, forget what going out means,” he said.

“The lockdown of 21 days is long, but is significant to save lives.”

The Prime Minister urged the citizens not to take any medication without consultation with a doctor.

He announced the government is allocating Rs 15,000 crore towards improving the infrastructure in the health sector of the country. This will go towards testing facilities, personal protective equipment, isolation beds, ICU beds, and ventilators, the Prime Minister said.

“The government is all efforts to ensure that essential goods and services are available during the lockdown period,” said Modi.

“Do not leave your homes. No matter what happens, stay at home,” Prime Minister Modi appealed to the citizens.   Earlier on March 22, the people of the country observed ‘Janta Curfew’ for 14 hours with effect from 7 am in response to Prime Minister Modi’s call.