‘Lockdown Has Gone, Coronavirus Hasn’t,’ Says PM Narendra Modi As He Reminds People To Follow Precautions In Festive Season

New Delhi: With an aim to remind the citizens to continue the fight against COVID-19 pandemic and not let their guard down during the festive season, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Tuesday (October 20). This is his seventh address to the nation on COVID-19 pandemic since he announced a strict lockdown in March-end to check the spread of the coronavirus. In his address, the PM reiterated that people must not forget that while the lockdown is over, the coronavirus is still out there.

Also Read: Festivals Amid COVID-19 Outbreak: Experts Warn Against ‘Pandemic Fatigue’ To Avoid A Spurt In Cases During Festive Season

Sharing a message with my fellow Indians. https://t.co/tNsiPuEUP3

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2020

PM Modi appealed to the citizens to remain vigilant and observe all necessary preventive measures in order to avoid an increase in COVID-19 cases during the festive season. He said,

To give our lives some momentum, and to keep our homes running, we are slowly venturing out again. Festivals are also upon us, but we must not forget that while the lockdown may have ended, the virus hasn’t. It is still very much a threat.

Acknowledging the selflessness and dedication of the health workers, PM Modi urged people to be responsible and follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour so that the transmission of the infection can be controlled and some of the burdens on the healthcare system can be reduced. He asserted,

Our health workers are doing a phenomenal service to the nation by taking care of citizens across the nation. But we too must do our bit. Recent videos show that people are becoming very lax with the precautions we take. Videos show that people are being irresponsible and not taking the steps advised to a very large extent. This cannot happen. We must not think that things are normal again. You are putting yourselves, your families, children and elders in your home in grave danger by not taking the proper precautions.

Also Read: Half Of Indians May Have Had Coronavirus By February, Government Panel Estimates

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people to follow precautions in order to avoid getting infected by COVID-19 during the festive season

While talking about the situation of COVID-19 in the country, PM Modi said that the country has tackled the pandemic to a large extent. He said,

Our recovery rate is among the highest in the world, the fatality rate is low. Out of every million, we have around 83 deaths. This, compared to other nations like American and European countries which see around 600 deaths per million, is much better.

The Prime Minister further added that the countries that made some positive strides in tackling COVID-19 are facing a spurt in cases now due to the irresponsible and complacent behaviour towards the pandemic.

The PM has assured that the country is working on developing vaccines against COVID-19 and measures will be taken to provide coronavirus immunisation to all at the earliest.

In his address, PM asked the media personnel and people on social media to spread public awareness for following COVID-19 guidelines. He signed off by urging the citizens with folded hands to wear mask, follow social distancing and practise hand hygiene without a fail.

Also Read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Calls For Scaling Up Of COVID-19 Testing, Sero Surveys

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.