Showing their solidarity in India's fight against COVID-19, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and his wife Ushamma lit lamps at Uparashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on April 5, 2020, tonight at 9 pm.

"The initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was meant to display our unity and collective strength to dispel the gloom and darkness caused by COVID-19 pandemic," Naidu said.

ALSO READ: Fight Against COVID-19: Defence PSUs, OFB Pitch In

The Vice President lauded the people of the country for showing the immense power of teamwork in the fight against COVID-19.

"Through their overwhelming response to the Prime Minister’s call, the people of India have once again reasserted the country’s steely resolve to overcome the crisis," Naidu added.

While appealing to people to stay at home during the lockdown period, Naidu said that it was everybody’s duty to halt the transmission of the virus.

ALSO READ: Youths Vulnerable To Coronavirus: US Study

Lauding the valiant efforts of all healthcare workers, police, municipal, sanitation workers and civil society groups in the fight against COVID-19, Naidu appealed the people to maintain social distancing and observe personal hygiene.

He also urged them to strictly follow the instructions given by the government and the healthcare experts to control the spread of COVID-19.

ALSO READ: Venkaiah Naidu Urges To Shun Coverage Based On Caste, Community

While appreciating the Central and state governments for implementing various measures to mitigate the hardship caused to the people, Naidu said it was also the duty of every member of the society to come to the rescue of migrant labour and the needy and poor in this hour of national crisis.

Expressing his appreciation to both electronic and print media personnel for disseminating news and constant updates on the pandemic, Naidu appealed the people to guard against rumours, fake news, and misleading information, particularly on social media.

ALSO READ: Essential Commodities Will Be Supplied Across Meghalaya During Lockdown: Conrad Sangma

Later in a Facebook post, Naidu expressed concern over the spread of misinformation, especially on social media and said that it was a virus that needs to be checked immediately.

“We should steer clear of untenable generalisations about communities and should not view events like this from the prism of our prejudices and biases," Naidu said.

"We hope there will be no more such unfortunate, blatant violations of the prescribed guidelines,” he added.

Naidu further stressed the urgent need for constant, open dialogue among different partners and a constant calibration of our responses, both individual and collective.

He opined that free flow of authentic information to quell rumours and misinformation was critical.

"There is another disturbing set of events related to assaults on front-line medical professionals who have been waging a brave war against all odds," Naidu said

“Respect and concern for the safety of the front-line warriors, especially the medical professionals are absolutely essential for achieving our objective," he said.

Meanwhile, Naidu, who is also Chairman of Rajya Sabha has decided to contribute 30 per cent from his salary towards the fight against COVID-19 every month until the situation becomes normal.