During Mann Ki Baat, PM Narendra Modi urged people to maintain ‘social distance’ and ‘reduce emotional distance’in the fight against Coronavirus pandemic. “Social distancing is the most effective way of fighting against Coronavirus. But we have to understand that social distancing does not mean ending social interaction”, he said.
PM Modi also urged people not to ostracise those who are in quarantine either due to mandatory reasons or those who have self-imposed quarantine. “I have come to know of some instances, that some of those people who were suspected to have coronavirus and asked to stay in home quarantine, are being ill-treated by others. I am greatly pained to learn of these instances. This is very unfortunate”, said PM Modi.
The Prime Minister further said, “We need to understand that in the current circumstances, we need to ensure social distance, not human or emotional distance. Those who are under quarantine are not criminals. They are merely suspected to be infected with the virus. These people have isolated and quarantined themselves to protect other people from getting infected.”
PM Modi also referred to some of the suggestions and insights received on the NaMo App regarding how people have been creatively utilising the time during lockdown. He mentioned how people had written about lockdown hasgiven them a chance to further strengthen family bonding, learn new dishes, reading books, etc.
