Amid the lethal coronavirus (COVID-19) scare that has gripped the world, the Indian government declared complete lockdown for 21 days barring the essential services with effect from March 24^th, 2020, midnight.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation on March 24^th, 2020, evening, sought cooperation of the citizens in preventing the spread of the lethal COVID-19. PM Modi, while appealing the people not to step out for 21 days, said, “The period of these 21 days is very crucial. We have to restrain ourselves at our home to save the nation.”

Earlier, Assam Health and Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on March 23^rd, 2020, following the Centre’s direction, ordered lockdown in the state with effect from 6 pm on March 24^th to 31^st, 2020 midnight.

Also read: India To Go Under Complete Lockdown From Midnight

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in exercise of the powers under section 6(2)(i) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, has issued an Order dated March 24^th 2020, directing the Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, and the State/Union Territory Governments and State/ Union Territory Authorities to take effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

In compliance of the said Order of NDMA, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an Order dated 24.03.2020 under Section 10(2)(l) of the Disaster Management Act, directing the Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, State/Union Territory Governments and State/ Union Territory Authorities to take effective measures for ensuring social distancing so as to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country. The Order shall remain in force, in all parts of the country, for a period of 21 days with effect from March 25th, 2020.

The Ministries/ Departments of Government of India and State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, have been directed to ensure strict implementation of these Orders.  The implementation of these measures will be monitored by MHA.

Here are top 10 points:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared nation-wide complete lockdown for 14 days with effect from March 24^th, 2020, midnight
• Essential services including medical, fire, water, LPG, electricity and groceries are exempted from the lockdown
• PM Modi appealed the citizens to maintain social distancing
• Centre allocated Rs 15,000 crore for combating coronavirus pandemic
• COVID-19 infected a total of 512 people and claimed nine lives while 40 people have been cured or discharged, according the Health Ministry.
• The NDMA has issued an Order dated March 24^th, 2020, directed the Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, and the State/Union Territory Governments and State/ Union Territory Authorities to take effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs issued certain guidelines stating what will remain open or shut.
• Any person violating the containment measures will be liable to proceeded against as per the provisions of Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

Photo credit: Reuters