Indian Government on Tuesday, in an unprecedented move, ordered complete lockdown across the country in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak as the number of confirmed cases surpassed 500. The move is unprecedented because for the first time in its contemporary history, 130 crore people will be under lockdown.
The decision came after the 14 hour self-imposed ‘Janata Curfew’ announced by Prime Minister Modi that happen to be successful in more ways than one can imagine. While many abided with the authorities, a section came out on roads misinterpreting the Prime Minister’s appeal.
A complete lockdown across the country will be observed from the midnight of 24th March for a period of 3 weeks. He also said that this is a curfew of sorts, a curfew stricter than the ‘Janata Curfew.’ An important step to fight the virus, the Prime Minister said. This is a never-heard-before move by the government which is an attempt to stop the outbreak to reach the Stage-3. Meanwhile, according to a few medical professionals, India has already reached stage-3.
An official from the Union Home Ministry addressed the media and announced the list of essential services that will be operating in the lockdown period. The official further said that apart from essential services, the rest of the activities in the concerned regions will be under lockdown until 31st March. While the date is a temporary one, there is a high probability that the government could extend it.
As soon as the announcement was made, a confusion seeped into the minds of the public about the ‘essential services.’ The opposition too criticized Modi to have missed out on addressing the essential services matter. The government further issued a detailed document listing down the services that will be in operation and the ones that will remain shut.
Essential Services that will be operating
- Ration shops, Milk Parlours, Grocery shops, Vegetable shops, meat and fish shops and cooking gas shops will be functioning.
- All transportation with respect to goods will continue to function.
- The police department, Fire department, and emergency services will also function.
- Government offices, Municipal services, Electricity and Water service boards, PR offices and post offices shall be open.
- Banks will offer only essential services like cash deposit, withdrawal, clearing cheques, remittances, and government transactions. ATMs will function normally.
- Delivery of food, pharmaceuticals, and other things will be working.
- Public can takeaway food from restaurants.
- Government canteens will be open.
- Shops related to agriculture, sericulture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries will continue to function.
- Internet services, broadcasting and cable services
- Capital and debt market services as notified by SEBI
- Print and electronic media
- Cold storage and warehousing services
