Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asked people to light candles at 9 pm for nine minutes from their doors or balconies on April 5, Sunday, as a show of “solidarity” in the fight against Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). He was addressing people on national television at 9 am on Friday.
He asked people to switch off the lights in their houses for these nine minutes. In absence of candles, people can also participate in the exercise by lighting torches or mobile flashlights, he said.
Earlier, he had asked for a similar exercise to be done by clapping and beating utensils on a day announced as “Janta Curfew” to show appreciation for doctors, nurses and others involved in essential services to fight COVID-19.
Friday was PM Modi’s third appearance on television to address people on Coronavirus – he had earlier announced the lockdown for 21 days since March 24 and twice asked people to show solidarity by coming together on their balconies and windows.
He asked people to keep in mind that while performing the exercise on April 5, no one should gather in groups on the streets or anywhere, since that would increase the chances of spreading COVID-19.
