India is imposing tough measures to contain COVID-19 outbreak in the country. A total lockdown has been imposed on the entire nation, starting midnight on March 25. All passenger trains, inter-state buses, and metro services are suspended across the country till March 31.

India has started imposing tough measures to contain COVID-19 outbreak. On March 22, the country observed a 14-hour voluntary curfew called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sunday saw a significant surge in a number of COVID-19 cases in India, following which the Central and State governments followed immediate and stringent measures.

The Central government directed the State governments to ‘strictly enforce lockdown’ especially in districts that have reported confirmed COVID-19 cases. Additionally, the Centre has asked the respective State governments to take legal action against violators.

Via a special video message broadcast at 8pm on March 24, Prime Minister Modi announced a total lockdown on the entire nation for 21 days, effective midnight on March 25.

Rajasthan, a state of northwestern India, became the first state to impose complete lockdown with its Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot making an official announcement on March 21.

As the situation grew grim, more states imposed a complete state-wide lockdown. Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar too announced a lockdown in the state via a video message on March 22.

In an attempt to contain coronavirus from spreading in India, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal too imposed a state-wide lockdown in the national capital till March 31. Besides, Section 144 has also been imposed in Delhi.

The South Indian state of Tamil Nadu followed suit of other states as it ordered a state-wide lockdown.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has imposed curfew amid lockdown in the state, with no relaxations. The drastic measure has been taken as residents continued to move out in groups.

By the end of 23 March, a total of 30 states and union territories, covering 548 districts, were under total lockdown. Meanwhile, several districts of Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh are also under complete or partial lockdown till March 31.

As a result, all commercial establishments, offices, factories, and workshops will remain closed. Essential services or shops selling things of daily necessities such as healthcare, pharmacies, petrol pumps, banks, water and power utilities, food and milk will remain open.

Individuals disobeying lockdown will be booked under the Epidemic Disease Act of 1897. The Act, meant to keep a check on the spread of dangerous epidemic diseases, has been invoked to prevent COVID-19 outbreak in the country.