Prime Minister Narendra Modi Urges Citizens to Maintain Social Distance & Not "Emotional Distance"

While speaking in the context of rising cases of stigmatizing COVID-19 patients or suspected people, the Prime Minister said, "We have to maintain social distance, not emotional and human distance," adding, "Social distancing doesn't mean stopping of social interaction."

He urged everyone to maintain "social distance" but "not emotional and human distance". Instead he advised people to delve deep inside to understand themselves. "I was extremely hurt when I came to know that some people are misbehaving with those who are being advised home quarantine. We need to be sensitive and understanding. Increase social distancing but reduce emotional distancing," said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also apologized for declaring the 21-day nationwide lockdown suddenly. "I hope my country people will forgive me for my sudden decisions. I apologize for all the discomfort that you are facing, but this is the only step that we could have taken to curb the spreading of coronavirus in the country. I apologize for taking these harsh steps which have caused difficulties in your lives, especially the poor people. I know some of you would be angry with me. But these tough measures were needed to win this battle," he said.

Modi appreciated the doctors and nurses for their continuous efforts in treating coronavirus patients and also ensuring timely detection of the disease. "I salute every nurse today, you all are working with incomparable dedication. World is celebrating 2020 as the international year of the nurse and midwife," said Modi.

The Prime Minister also spoke with two doctors from Delhi and Pune, who shared about how the hospital staff members are treating COVID-19 patients. Home quarantine, masks, handkerchief and cleanliness are the things that were highlighted.

It may be mentioned here that India has surpassed the 900-mark in the total coronavirus or COVID-19 cases on Saturday to reach 987 infected people in the country as on Sunday.

Among the States and Union Territories in India, Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of positive coronavirus cases — 193 (including three foreign nationals). Kerala has 176 positive cases (including eight foreign nationals), Karnataka has 76, Telangana has 65, Uttar Pradesh has 61, Gujarat 58, Rajasthan 56, Delhi -49, Tamil Nadu 42, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh 39 each, Jammu & Kashmir 33, Haryana 21, Andhra Pradesh 19, West Bengal 18, Ladakh 13, Bihar and Andaman & Nicobar Islands have 9 cases, Chandigarh 8, Chattisgarh and Goa have 6 each, Uttarakhand 5, Himachal Pradesh 4, Puducherry, Manipur and Mizoram have one cases each.

Internationally, 30,888 deaths have been reported till date due to the coronavirus, with a large chunk of those being reported from Italy (10,023). In all, 664,248 people have been infected by the virus till now, with 142,366 having recovered. Somewhat gravely, 25,207 are said to be in a “serious” condition.

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