Coronavirus: in India, a “voluntary” curfew this Sunday

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With more than 200 confirmed cases and 4 deaths, the toll of the Covid-19 epidemic is relatively low in India. But it is increasing worryingly, with around 20% of new cases in a day. The country is still in phase 2, with a limited number of people tested, but the government is tightening the restrictions. Rallies are banned in most of the country and the Prime Minister announced a one-day curfew on Sunday March 22, the start of a mobilization.

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“ This Sunday (March 22) , stay at home between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. " Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched this appeal, reminding the population of the recent wars that drove the Indians to cloister themselves.

This voluntary curfew lasts only one day, which limits its impact, but must put the country to a halt. Few shops are expected to open and no trains will start this Sunday.

Mandatory curfew in Sri Lanka

Narendra Modi also asked the Indians to make noise at 5 p.m. to honor all the doctors fighting the epidemic. This is in addition to the various measures taken by regional governments.

New Delhi, for example, has closed schools, cafes and restaurants. In the financial capital, Bombay, which is in the most affected region of the country, all businesses operating in non-essential services must close until further notice. Neighboring Sri Lanka has imposed a mandatory curfew between Friday evening and Monday morning, March 23.

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• Coronavirus
• India
• Narendra Damodardas Modi

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