Indian Government on Monday ordered the lockdown of 80 cities and districts across the country in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak as the number of confirmed cases surpassed 400. The move is unprecedented for the biggest democracy in the world that holds 1.3 billion people.
The decision came after the 14 hour self-imposed ‘Janata Curfew’ announced by Prime Minister Modi that happen to be successful in more ways one can imagine. While many abided with the authorities, a section came out on roads misinterpreting the Prime Minister’s appeal. Modi earlier in the day tweeted expressing dissatisfaction about the incidents.
Complete Lockdown in 80 districts
An official from the Union Home Ministry addressed the media and announced the lockdown of the cities and districts where the COVID-19 cases are confirmed. 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.
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 government further detailed the services that will be in operation and the ones that will remain shut.
What will be Shut
- All Information Technology and Biotechnology units will be asked to provide work from home facilities wherever it is feasible.
- All AC bus services will be stopped.
- All commercial establishments, shops, factories involved in non-essential services will be shut.
- All Labor industries will be asked to work with 50 percent staff on rotation.
- All inter-district and intra-district transport facilities will be shut.
What will be Available
- 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.
