New Delhi:

No individual is above the law, including the leader of a country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today during his 17-minute televised address to the nation, as he warned people against disobeying rules in force to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The Prime Minister said “negligence in social and personal behaviour” had been seen since “Unlock1” – the first stage in the government’s “calibrated” re-start of economic activity and normal life – came into effect on June 1 and said this could prove disastrous as India looks to get the outbreak under control.

“We notice (increasing) negligence in people’s social and personal behaviour. We used to meticulously wash hands, used sanitisers, wore masks, maintained social distancing and avoided shaking hands… we see this is not happening as strictly anymore. That is a sign of worry,” Prime Minister Modi said.

“This is a serious matter. We must maintain discipline. People not following the rules need to be stopped and made aware. Nobody is above the rule in India, even if it is the leader of the nation,” PM Modi said.

There has been a frightening spike in cases since June 1; over 8,300 new cases were reported on that day, compared to the 18,552 reported on Monday.

India reported a total of 1.9 lakh cases by June 1. Today, thirty days later, the total number of COVID-19 cases has crossed 5.6 lakh.

The National Directives for COVID-19 Management are rules governing behaviour in public spaces like offices and shops. They include mandatory wearing of face mask when outside the home, maintaining social distance (keeping at least six feet from each other) and frequent use of hand sanitisers.

These directives have been stressed on repeatedly by the Prime Minister, politicians and experts to help prevent the COVID-19 virus from spreading.