India being locked down from midnight for 21 days, says PM

India will be locked down for the next 21 days starting midnight Wednesday, the Prime Minister has said on a day when the number of coronavirus cases has crossed the 540-mark  in India with 12 deaths, including that of a foreigner.

“If we don’t shut down the country for the next 21 days, we will be going back by 21 years,” the PM told the nation.

According to health experts, to break the chain of coronavirus spread, we need at least 21 days, the PM added. Whatever happens, stay at home (for the next three weeks), he insisted.

The latest death was reported in Mumbai, where the toll now stands at five. The Maximum City also saw the opening of the first dedicated facility to treat coronavirus patients in Seven Hills Hospital.