Without nationwide lockdown for 21 days, we will be pushed back by 21 years: PM Modi amid COVID-19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the nation on Tuesday on the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the efforts being taken by the Centre and the state governments to contain it. This will be PM Modi's second address to the nation within a week.

"Will address the nation at 8 PM today, 24th March 2020, on vital aspects relating to the menace of COVID-19," PM Modi had tweeted. The total number of Coronavirus positive cases has crossed 500 and the death toll stands at 10. 

Here are the live updates from PM Modi's address to the nation. Stay tuned:

24 March 2020

20:27 IST

Centre has made allocation of Rs 15,000 crore to strengthen health infrastructure to tackle coronavirus: PM

20:27 IST

All steps being taken by central and state government to ensure supply of essential items: PM

20:26 IST

PM shows a poster saying corona means 'Koi Road Par Na Nikle' (No one should come out on roads)

20:18 IST

If we won't follow the nationwide lockdown for 21 days, we will be pushed back by 21 years. This is time for patience and discipline; I appeal to you with folded hands to remember people putting their lives at risk for our safety: PM

20:18 IST

This lockdown is in a way curfew and would be more stringent than Janata curfew: PM

20:17 IST

With folded hands, I appeal to people not to go out of their homes. One step outside can make way for coronavirus into your house. We may have to pay financial cost for this lockdown but it is important for safety of people: PM

20:17 IST

Social distancing is applicable to everyone, even to Prime Minister of the country: PM Modi

20:07 IST

From 12 am on March 24 entire country will be on complete lockdown for three weeks (21 days) due to COVID-19, says PM Modi

20:06 IST

Coronavirus has made many powerful countries helpless; challenges are increasing despite all efforts: PM Modi

20:05 IST

Social distancing is applicable to everyone, even to Prime Minister of the country: PM Modi

20:05 IST

You all deserve to be admired for success of Janta curfew on March 22: PM Modi

20:04 IST

PM Modi reiterates the importance of social distancing after citing examples of other countries.

20:03 IST

Every Indian contributed to making Janata curfew a success: PM Modi

20:02 IST

PM Modi to nation: People from all spheres of life contributed to Janata curfew initiative amid COVID-19 outbreak.

19:49 IST

PM Narendra Modi addresses nation on COVID-19.

19:49 IST

In his last address on the virus outbreak, PM Modi had called for "resolve and restraint" to fight the disease. He had also announced setting up of a task force, to be headed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, to look at measures to limit economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

19:49 IST

PM Modi has been interacting with various stakeholders on ways to check the spread of the virus. On Wednesday, he will interact with people of Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, on the pandemic.

19:48 IST

Over 500 coronavirus cases and 10 deaths have been reported in India so far, according to Health Ministry data on Tuesday. As cases of the viral infection surged, authorities have put almost the entire country under lockdown, banning gathering of people and suspending road, rail and air traffic till March 31.