The entire India followed the janta curfew on Sunday as people stayed indoors and came out in their balconies in the evening to bang thalis, clap, blow conch, in a way to appreciate and thank the health workers who are working day and night risking their lives for others.

As the entire country followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directions, the minister thanked the country for the support but asked them to be prepared for a long battle.

“Today’s Janta Curfew may end at 9.00 pm, but this does not mean we start celebrating. The self-imposed curfew should not be considered as a success as it is the beginning of a long battle. Today countrymen have told that we are capable, and once we decide we can take on any challenge together,” he tweeted.

In an earlier tweet, he had said the country thanked each person who led the fight against the coronavirus. “Many thanks to the countrymen.With this resolve and patience, let’s restrict (social distancing) ourselves as part of this long battle.”

The coronavirus cases across the country took another huge jump on Sunday, touching 396 by 6 pm. The day’s spike was 81, said the Indian Council of Medical Research, the country’s nodal agency for COVID-19 testing.

Various government departments and banks have asked all their staff to work from home, except those working on providing essential services.

India is locking down large swaths of the country until at least the end of the month, as it seeks to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus following a surge in cases over the last two days.

Delhi was placed under lockdown till March 31, shutting down public transport, sealing borders and closing shops. Metro will stop services till Mach 31.

Punjab and Rajasthan have ordered a “full shutdown” until March 31, suspending all public transport and closing malls and shops. Goa, one of India’s most popular holiday destinations, has shut down its borders to mass passengers and tourist vehicles.

Gujarat has announced a lockdown for four cities, Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, and Vadodara, until Wednesday.

Bengal and UP have also opted for a partial lockdown.