The story of Modi’s lockdown math dates back to a 14th century practice

• Quarantine, which originates from the Italian word quarantina literally means a period of 40 days in isolation.
• In the olden days, people on ships who were suspected of carrying infections were put in a quarantine.
• The Indian government today announced the extension of the lockdown until May 3. This puts Indians in a 40-day isolation period.

Quarantine, which originates from the Italian word quarantina literally means a period of 40 days in isolation. In the olden days, people on ships who were suspected of carrying an infection were put in a quarantine.

Cut to 2020, and with the world grappling under the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian government today announced the extension of the lockdown until May 3 which incidentally makes it a 40-day isolation.

Flipkart founder Sachin Bansal was quick to point it out.


History of Quarantine

The first use of the word quarantine dates back to the early 14th century. It was used to save coastal cities from epidemics. “Ships arriving in Venice from infected ports were required to sit at anchor for 40 days before landing,” reports the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ever since then quarantine has been used to fight off epidemics like cholera, yellow fever and more.

In 1878, the US Congress passed a resolution to include federal involvement in quarantine. But it was The Public Health Service Act of 1944 in the US which clearly established the federal government’s quarantine authority.

40 days of isolation in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today extended the coronavirus lockdown until May 3, in a special address to the nation. May 3rd, will mark the 40th day of isolation.

Modi also said that India will also keep a keen eye on hotspots, possible hotspots and prevent the creation of new hotspots. For the next one week, India will enforce stricter measures to contain the virus, he added.

See Also:
PM Modi promises limited relaxation from April 20 in some areas even as he extends nationwide lockdown till May 3
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 7 commandments for extended lockdown