Bhubaneswar: In lieu of the ‘Janata Curfew’ call by PM Modi to combat coronavirus, people chose to stay indoors in Odisha. In what can be called a rare instance, the roads were totally deserted in the twin cities. The otherwise crowded spots saw no vehicular movement, commuters, etc.
Reports and visuals from various parts of Odisha clearly show that the markets, establishments, offices and roadside eateries have put down their shutters. Only those dealing with essential commodities like medicines and hospitals are open.
Barely minutes before the Janata Curfew, PM Modi had tweeted: “In a few minutes from now, the #JantaCurfew commences. Let us all be a part of this curfew, which will add tremendous strength to the fight against COVID-19 menace.”
This is regarded as one of the most important steps to combat the deadly virus. On March 19, Prime Minister Modi called for ‘Janta curfew’ for Sunday from 7 am-9 pm, saying no citizen, barring those in essential services, should get out of the house.
Mr Modi asked everyone to express gratitude towards doctors, nurses, hospital staff, sanitation workers, government staff, police personnel and media people for their services by clapping at 5 pm from their respected balconies.