India Under Complete Lockdown for 21 days - PM

"From midnight tonight, the entire country will go under a complete lockdown. Every state, every Union Territory, every district, every village and every locality is being put under lockdown,"  – PM

While addressing the nation on March 24, 2020, PM Modi announced that the entire country will go on a complete lockdown from midnight. Modi while quoting the experts emphasized that social distancing is the only way we can fight this mischievous virus which spreads so fast.

Narendra Modi requested all the state governments to focus on the healthcare facilities during this period. Modi also warned the public to be careful about the rumours.

Modi also expressed concern about the poor but assured that the governments have all the plans to cater to their needs.

"We cannot ignore the fact that this unfortunate crisis has brought a lot of complexities to the poor. The central government, state governments, social organisations and civil societies are working to reduce the difficulties of the poor," he said.

Modi assured the citizens that the government will ensure that there is no disruption in the supply of essential goods and services.

List of Exemptions during the Lockdown Period

• The ration shops, and shops dealing with, dairy and milk booths, groceries, food, fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, animal fodder shall remain open.

• Online Ecommerce companies delivering milk, grocery, vegetables, fruits etc will also be exempted

• Hospitals and all related medical establishments, including manufacturing and distributing units, both in public and private sector, such as dispensaries, chemist and medical equipment shops, clinics, ambulance etc will continue to remain functional.

• The transportation for all medical personnel, nurses, para-medical staff, other hospital support services shall be permitted

• Banks, insurance offices, and ATMs shall remain operational.

• Print and electronic media will remain open.

• Telecommunications, internet services, broadcasting and cable services will be operational to ensure smooth work from home as far as possible.

• Delivery of all essential goods including food, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment through E-commerce

• Petrol pumps, LPG, petroleum and gas retail and storage outlets shall remain open

To ensure a continuous supply of electricity, power generation, transmission and distribution units and services will remain operational.