Several states across India including Maharashtra, Kerala, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nagaland and West Bengal have announced partial or complete lockdowns owing to the coronavirus pandemic, for varying periods.
The Centre and state governments have decided to completely lock down 80 districts across the country where coronavirus cases have been reported. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala announced lockdown in many districts. Delhi will be locked down from 6 am on March 23 till midnight on March 31st.
The Delhi Police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in the national capital till March 31st in view of the coronavirus outbreak, banning protests, and other social gatherings. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in Indian Penal Code bans the assembly of four or more people at one place.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today also appealed to state governments to ensure that rules and regulations of the coronavirus lockdown are enforced as he noted that many people are not taking the measure seriously.
To better understand the impact of the lockdown on everyday life, listed below are Do-s and Don’t-s according to official guidelines:
Do-s
1. Practice social distancing by staying at home as much as possible
2. Work from home has been allowed for most private employees across the country to facilitate minimal disruption to businesses
3. Limit venturing out of your homes only for essential commodities
4. Wash your hands as much as possible and disinfecting surfaces before touching them
5. Self-isolate or visit a doctor immediately if symptoms are visible and/or persist
6. Bank tellers, cashiers and ATMs will be operational
7. Internet/postal/telecommunication services will continue while telecom stores will remain shut
8. Journalists and media persons have been exempted
9. Maintain high standards of hygiene at all times in your homes and surroundings
Don't-s
1. Under the lockdown, activities such as social gatherings are banned
2. Construction activities are also banned
3. Religious places are closed down
4. Private offices/factories/workshops have all been closed down
5. International flights have been suspended
6. Public transport including autos, e-rickshaws, taxis, private and government bus services and Metro services have been stopped during this period.
7. Borders of the affected districts/states have been sealed with an exemption only for supply of essential commodities
8. All shops except those dealing with essential commodities like perishables, groceries, dairy, will remain closed until the lockdown
9. Dine-in restaurants have been closed or asked to only do takeaway or home delivery for food delivery
10. E-commerce has been widely restricted to only essential commodities
11. Schools and colleges have been shut down while the lockdown is in place
12. Public is being strongly discouraged from going out of their homes unless absolutely critical
13. Pharmacies have been exempted from the lockdown guidelines; however, people have been warned against hoarding masks and hand sanitizers
14. Government has been urging people to ensure personal hygiene at all times and avoid crowded places, failing which, legal action could be initiated against defaulters
