Wrong to believe India won't be affected by coronavirus: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that it is wrong to believe that coronavirus will not have any impact on India but asked people not to panic.

"As the coronavirus has had a widespread impact in large and developed countries, it is wrong to believe it will not have any effect on India," Modi said in his address to the nation.

The Prime Minister said that the patience and resolve of all Indians are vital in fighting the global pandemic which has wreaked havoc all over the world.

While requesting citizens to follow certain measures to ensure the containment of the fast-spreading virus, Modi emphasised on the importance of not taking the pandemic lightly and the need to be aware and proactive towards prevention of COVID-19.

The Prime Minister urged citizens to follow the mantra of "when we are healthy, the world is healthy". He stressed on the importance of following self-imposed norms like 'social distancing'.

Requesting citizens to patiently abide by the norm, he urged the need to isolate oneself and come out of the house only if imperative, while trying to work from home and avoid unnecessary travel.

The Prime Minister urged that senior citizens above the age of 60 should not come out of their homes for the coming few weeks.

Highlighting the stress on the hospitals, Modi urged everyone to avoid routine checkups during this time and to extend the date of surgeries scheduled, wherever feasible.

The total number of positive cases of COVID-19 in India stands at 167, including 25 foreigners.

Four deaths (one each) have been reported in Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, and Maharashtra," the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement.