New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people of India, who clapped and banged utensils in unison on Sunday evening to show gratitude to health workers at the forefront of the fight against the Novel Covid-19 outbreak in the country.

Clanging sounds rang out at several parts of the country in response. Several people also sang bhajans (religious songs) and shouted patriotic slogans. Prime Minister Modi in tweet in Hindi said that “This is the sound of thanks and also the start of victory in a long battle against Covid- 19. Let us carry this determination and settle down for a long fight”. Prime Minister also added that “Follow the instructions issued by central and state governments. In districts and states where lockdown is announced, do not leave house unless it is an emergency”.

President Ram Nath Kovind led the way by appearing outside Rashtrapati Bhavan with his family and clapping for five minutes. President in a tweet in his official account said that he was grateful to healthcare workers who risked their lives to fight the Covid-19. The curfew has been extended by several state governments, which have already shut down public spaces like shopping malls, restaurants, pools, gyms and cinemas, as well as schools and colleges. Punjab and Rajasthan have announced a lockdown that involves stopping all public transport.

Indian Railways decided on Sunday morning to shut down all services till March 31. Interstate bus and metro services across the country will also be shut down. International flights have already been banned for a week and many airlines have talked about reducing flights. The Covid-19 cases in the country had reported over 360, nearly half that number has been recorded in the past 48 hours alone.