Kochi, March 22 (IANS): Veteran comedian and former Lok Sabha member Innocent on Sunday said that no amount of money will save you if you are not socially aware and things can go bad as coronavirus is a deadly one.

Innocent was speaking to the media on a day when the country including Kerala is observing 14-hour shutdown.

"I do not remember such a disaster and the only thing that is somewhat close to this, is the smallpox epidemic which took away lives of about 70 people in my area at Iranjalakuda, when I was 8-year old. Have a faint memory when bodies were taken and buried in a hill," said the comedian, who lost his sitting Lok Sabha seat from Chalakudy in the last general elections.

"Things have reached a stage where the curfew that's presently on, will have to be imposed again. As the only thing one can do is to remain indoors so as to prevent the spread. I am a cancer patient and this is not like cancer. This deadly virus spreads and at times I am amused to hear some people saying that my husband has gone to Church to pray. Prayers are needed, but these are times when social distancing has to be strictly adhered too," said the comedian in his typical filmi style.

"Moreover, even if one has tonnes of money, it won't help and if you think, with the money, one can go away from this place, the whole world is suffering. So, the best one can do is to remain at home and adhere to all the directives of the health department," added the 72-year-old former CPI-M lawmaker.