Airport screening began even before the country reported zero cases of coronavirus

In his nationwide address today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India started fighting against the deadly covid-19 even when there were no cases of virus in the country. He said airport screening began even before the country reported zero cases of coronavirus.

Stressing on the importance of social distancing and lockdown, the Prime Minister said14-day isolation was made necessary for every foreign visitor even before the country had reported 100 coronavirus cases.

In his nearly half-an-hour speech, the Prime Minister said 21-day nationwide lockdown was imposed in India when there were 550 coronavirus cases.

Talking about the country’s preparedness to fight the coronavirus cases, he said in January, India had only one lab to carry out tests for coronavirus. “Today, tests are being carried out in over 220 laboratories,” the Prime Minister said in his fourth address to the nation, which was the fourth one since March 18 when he had called for ‘Janata Curfew’ in the entire country.

He said more than 1 lakh beds are available for coronavirus patients, while over 600 hospitals are dedicated for coronavirus patients’ treatment in the country. In his argument for extending the lockdown till May 3, he said it has been done following the feedback from states across the country.

However, he said those regions that will show no evidence of cases will be allowed restricted movements by April 20.