Narendra Modi, biting the bullet, on Tuesday night, said that the entire country will be placed under lockdown for the next 21 days. This is to be seen as a kind of curfew, the Prime Minister said.

The reference to the word 'curfew' is instructive. Modi may have left it to states to impose curfews depending on risk assessment from time to time.

Modi said that every citizen should strictly do just one thing for the next 21days: STAY AT HOME.

"I am not requesting you as your Prime Minister. I am urging you as a family member," Modi said.

The PM drew the analogy of Lakshman Rekha to drive home his message.

"I want to appeal to everyone to stay away from rumours and superstitions. Everyone must abide by only credible medical advice," the PM exhorted.

What about essentials like groceries?

"We are taking all steps to ensure continuous supply of essential commodities," Modi asserted.

Corona budget:

The ? government has made an allocation of Rs 15,000 Cr for the improvement of medical facilities in the country, Modi revealed.

Statistics:

"Worldwide it took 67 days to infect one lakh people and just 11 days to reach another lakh. From 2 lakh to 3 lakh, it took just 4 days," Modi has been quoted by Times of India as saying.