India sets 21-day ‘total lockdown’ in fight against coronavirus pandemic

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a “total lockdown” in the country of 1.3 billion people during a televised address Tuesday night, the most extensive stay-at-home order yet in the world’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The 21-day lockdown was set to begin at midnight.

“To save India and every Indian, there will be a total ban on venturing out of your homes,” Modi said, adding that if the county failed to manage the next 21 days, it would be set back by 21 years.

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Indian health officials have reported 469 actives cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, and 10 deaths.