Thursday 08 / May / 2025
NEW DELHI: The COVID-19 positive cases in India crossed the 40,000 mark on Sunday evening as India's federal health ministry said the total cases in the country have reached 40,263 including 1,306 deaths
Sunday marks the 40th straight day of ongoing lockdown across the country announced by the government to contain the spread of the pandemic.
The lockdown which was announced on March 25 was Friday evening again extended for the third time for two more weeks until May 17.
The Indian armed forces will Sunday showcase a unique way of extending solidarity with the country's COVID-19 warriors. Army, Navy and Air Force will together display series of activities marking the nation's respect towards the endeavour of health professionals, security officials, sanitation workers, essential supply chain workers and media professionals during the fight against COVID-19.
The Armed Forces have made elaborate arrangements to mark the day with memorable gesture of solidarity. The C-130 carrier of the Indian Air Force flying at a very low altitude will cover the entire length of the country. The Air Force Helicopters will shower flower petals in Delhi and other cities. Fighter planes Sukhoi-30 , MiG-29 and Jaguar will fly past over the national capital and other places marking a salute to the COVID-19 warriors. Likewise, army bands will visit many hospitals treating COVID-19 patients throughout the day and play tunes to honour the warriors.
Hospitals in Mumbai, Kochi, Vizag and Goa will also witness showering of petals from navy helicopters. The efforts of the COVID-19 warriors will also be appreciated by Indian Coast Guard by illuminating the ships at 25 locations including Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai and Vizag covering the entire coastline of the country which can be witnessed from 7:30 p.m. local time in the evening until midnight.
"Our armed forces have always kept the nation safe. Even in times of disasters, they are out there helping people. Now, our Forces are, in a unique way, saying a big thank you to our frontline COVID-19 warriors for their endeavour towards making India COVID-19 free," Indian Prime Minister wrote on twitter.
The latest gesture by the armed forces is the third massive display of gratitude to health workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in India.
The first show of gratitude to health workers was called by Modi urging people to clap for COVID-19 warriors from their balconies. It was followed by a show of solidarity with turning off lights and lighting candles.
