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Namaskar,
Today I would like to address my dear fellow Countrymen on the grave situation evolving out of Corona-Virus pandemic (COVID-19) that has spread all over the world afflicting hundreds of thousands and causing thousands of deaths. COVID-19 is highly contagious and is spreading all over the world exponentially. The medical scientists are yet to invent any vaccine to protect from this virus. Even the most developed countries are struggling hard to arrest the spread but even their best efforts and responses could not match-up the spread of this virus. This pandemic has also reached Africa and this should be taken seriously. These are testing times and we need to wake up to the seriousness of this situation
The most effective protection from this pandemic is to isolate oneself and strictly follow the safety protocols put out by the WHO as well as the governments. This is an extraordinary time and governments across the globe are taking extraordinary measures to protect its people. In India Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in his address to the nation announced 21 days total lockdown of the entire country. Prime Minister also appealed to each and every Indian to stay at home and remain vigilant and follow the safety protocols and stay clean and healthy. President Alassane Ouattara in his address to the nation has also announced serious measures to help stop the spread of this pandemic. Each one of us has the moral responsibility and duty to follow what have been told to us and stand up unitedly.
The Embassy of India has scaled down its activities but has activated COVID-19 emergency numbers which is being circulated among community members through social media and also updated on the embassy website and its social media platforms. Anyone is most welcome to call these numbers. Embassy would try its best to respond promptly and try to serve to the best of our ability.
I would also like to appeal to one and all not only as the Ambassador but also as a member of the family to remain calm at all time and not to panic. Stay wherever you are and stay inside your home and do not go out. Please remember this virus is invisible and can be infected anyone by anybody. The only serious advice is stay inside and do only one thing that is to stay inside and minimize all contact with outside world
My dear countrymen, this is the time for all of us to show our mental strength and unity, even though we try our best to disconnect physically, we must remain connected virtually through internet and stand together, encouraging one another and uplifting each other in this trouble time. Let us all pledge ourselves to follow the protocols and take ample precautions to remain isolated and stay healthy.
I also pray to Almighty God to shower His blessings and provide sound mind and to strengthen each one of us to overcome this pandemic which is the biggest challenge of our time. Let me wish you all happy and healthy days ahead.
May God bless you all, Jai Hind.