What You Can and Can’t During the 21-day Lockdown

As soon as the lockdown was announced by the Prime Minister on March 24th, the Ministry of Home Affairs put down the rules and regulations which are to be followed during the lockdown. Read on to find out.

The whole nation has been under complete lockdown since March 24. The lockdown, as of now, is 21 day long and a lot of us have various confusions over the do’s and don’ts of the same. And this confusion and deliberation has led to various social media memes about police taking action against those who violated the lockdown. So to save you from becoming a meme here’s guide of the things and activities that you can and can’t do during these 21 says.

What is shut?

• Most State and Union Territory government offices will remain shut. However, police stations and municipal bodies for essential services like municipal bodies, administrative services, home guards, electricity, water and sanitation will function with minimum staff

• Offices of the Government of India, its Autonomous/Subordinate Offices bad Public Corporations shall remain closed. With exemption to Defence, CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces), Disaster management, post offices, National Informatics Centre and Early Warning Agencies

• Commercial and private establishments that work in non-essential services will remain shut and work-from-home

• All educational institutions, including coaching classes, will remain shut

• All places of worship will be closed to the public. No religious congregation will be permitted–without exceptions. Funerals are permitted but attendance will be capped at 20 persons

• Transport services (air, rail and roadways) will be suspended. Only transportation for essential and emergency services will continue to function

What is open?

• Hospitals, nursing homes, dispensaries, chemists and ambulance services

• Shops and stores selling groceries, fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat and fish

• Banks, ATMs and insurance offices

• Petrol pumps as well as CNG and LPG stations

• Delivery of all essential goods including food, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment through e-commerce.

• Private security services

Can I order online?

Yes, you can order essential items like food, medicines, etc. via online platforms like Zomato, Flipkart, Amazon, Grofers, Big Basket, Medlife, Pharm Easy.etc. However these platforms are only serving select cities and localities.

Can I go outside my house?

You can go step outside your house, however, there are certain conditions related to it. A person is allowed to only step out only in case of an emergency or a valid reason. Valid reasons may include the need to buy rations, medicines, essential/life sustainingcommodities, etc. and you are required to do so only in your local areas of residence

What if I violate the lockdown measures?

The refusal to abide by the directions given by the Central as well as the state governments will result into a fine or/and an imprisonment of up to one year. If the unruly behaviour persists then the sentence may extend upto two years.

How do I approach doctors if I develop COVID-19 symptoms?

You are allowed to go the hospital in case you develop any symptom related to COVID-19.

How can I reach out for help?

Apart from this, you may also reach out for help via these phone numbers:-

• Central Helpline: +91-11-23978046 and 1075

• Central Helpline E-mail: ncov2019@gov.in or ncov2019@gmail.com

• Delhi Helpline: 011-22307145

• Uttar Pradesh Helpline: 18001805145

• Haryana Helpline: 8558893911

Image Credits: Jewel Samad/AFP

Aniket Singh Chauhan

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