The COVID-19 virus is spreading across the world, as coronavirus takes a firm grip over India, the central and state authorities are working in overdrive to try and curb the spread. As per latest government data, COVID-19 has affected over 415 people in the country. The Union Health Ministry has said that 24 people have recovered so far, killing eight reported.

Maharashtra imposes state-wide curfew. The Supreme Court, on March 23, issued orders to complete shut-down physical courtrooms due to the coronavirus pandemic

The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic has spread across at least 170 countries. Many states, including Maharashtra and Delhi, have imposed Section 144 starting today. The Centre has asked all the state governments to follow the measures strictly. All violators of the lock-down will face legal consequences.

The lockdown has hit labour-intensive industries the worst and among them are automotive industries. One of the largest employers of skilled workers in the country, car manufacturers and the ancillaries have participated in the lockdown, shutting down their manufacturing facilities till the government declares it safe to reopen.

The District Magistrate of Gurugram (Haryana) has issued orders to the effect of shutting all private and public establishments till next month. The DM's order states heavy fines for those found violating the orders but has also allowed essential services and infrastructure work to continue but with due precautions.

Globally, there have been over 3.39 lakh confirmed cases of COVID-19. At least 14,600 people have died so far. Infections are rapidly rising in Italy, France, Iran, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. The outbreak is having a major impact on global economy and the stock market. Moody's cuts India growth forecast to 5.3% for 2020 on dampened domestic demand, as it expects the coronavirus outbreak to dampen domestic demand globally.

Odisha govt extends lockdown to territorial jurisdiction of revenue districts of Puri, Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda from 7 AM of 24th March to 9 PM on 29th March. Total 14 districts of the state are now in lockdown. COVID 19 is a deadly virus.

The Indian Centre for Medical Research (ICMR) has maintained that the virus is still in phase 2 of transmission, which means there is no evidence of local transmission yet. As the cases climb, central and state governments have decided to lock down 80 districts from where COVID-19 cases have been reported to break the chain of transmission. The Health Ministry has said states would need to earmark hospitals to exclusively treat coronavirus patients.

Several states, including Maharashtra, Kerala, Haryana, UP, Uttarakhand and West Bengal, announced partial or complete lockdown for varying periods. Nagaland said it will impose an indefinite lockdown from midnight on Sunday.

What is a lockdown?

A lockdown is an emergency protocol that prevents people from leaving a given area. A full lockdown will mean you must stay where you are and not exit or enter a building or the given area.

This scenario usually allows for essential supplies, grocery stores, pharmacies and banks to continue to serve the people. All non-essential activities remain shut for the entire period.

Arvind Kejriwal today announced slew of measures to counter the rapid spread of novel coronavirus. He announced a complete lockdown from 6 am tomorrow till midnight of March 31.

No public transport services including private buses, autos, e-rickshaws will be allowed during the lockdown period in Delhi. 25 per cent of the DTC bus fleet will continue to ply on roads of Delhi to carry people involved in essential services, added Kejriwal.

Govt of NCT of Delhi notifies a lockdown in the whole of territorial jurisdiction of NCT of Delhi from 0600 hrs on Monday, 23 March to midnight of Tuesday, 31 March, stipulating the following restrictions:

* No public transport services including private buses, taxis, autos shall be permitted. Only DTC buses shall operate at not more than 25% capacity to cater to person engaged in essential services.

* All shops, factories, offices, commercial establishments shall close their operations.

* The motorable and unmotorable borders of NCT of Delhi with the neighboring states of Haryana and UP shall be sealed.
 

Movement of interstate buses/trains/DMRC shall be suspended

* All domestic/international flights arriving to Delhi during this period shall be suspended

* All religious places to be closed

* Following services are excluded from the purview of this order and shall continue to function normally
Services/ Establishments that are permitted to function shall strictly follow the guidelines and protocols related to social distancing-
 

* police, health, fire, prisons, electricity, offices charged with law and order and magisterial duties, fair price shops, water, municipal services, Activities related to function of Delhi legislature, Pay and Accounts office, Print and Electronic Media, Telecom, Internet and Postal Services, e-commerce of all goods including food, pharma products and medical equipments, milk pants, general provision store, chemists and pharmacies, animal fodder, petrol pumps and any other essential establishment that may be exempted by the government.
 

* People who come out to provide essential services shall be allowed on self- declaration.

* Any congregation of more than 5 persons is strictly punishable as per law.

* Any person found violating this order shall be punished as per the relevant provisions under the law.
 

DMRC has been that metro services will remain completely closed till March 31, 2020," DMRC said in a statement.

He further said " All private offices will remain closed but the employees - both permanent & contractual - will be considered to be on-duty. The companies will have to provide them the salary for this duration."