Coronavirus in India: FAQs

NEW DELHI: Almost all of India is under lockdown as the battle against Covid-19 entered a decisive phase. Here is a list of FAQs regarding the lockdown.
For how long will the lockdown continue?
A majority of the states have issued guidelines until March 31, however, there are some instances where advisories have been issued for closure of services till mid-April.
Can I go out?
Avoid. A person should venture out of his home only for essential needs. People should also avoid public transport as much as possible.
Is it safe to read newspapers?
The Times Group presses follow stringent hygiene protocols that have been reinforced following the outbreak and at no time is the paper handled manually during the printing process.
At distribution centres, we and other news organisations have provided gloves, sanitisers and masks to ensure that last-mile delivery is also safeguarded.
The World Health Organisation has deemed it safe to receive packages (Read here). In addition, respected epidemiologists and public health specialists have said people should not believe in rumours about newspapers being unsafe to touch and called such fears “unscientific and irrational”.
Will the internet and couriers be suspended?
No. All essential services, including internet and courier services, will continue to function.
Will I able to withdraw money?
Yes. Cashier and teller operations of banks, including ATMs, falls under the essential category list.
Does the lockdown apply to online shopping?
No. E-commerce of all essential goods, including food, pharmaceutical and medical equipment will continue to function
What if someone needs to visit a pharmacy for medicines?
All pharmacies across the countries are categorised under the essential list and will continue to function as per their normal working hours.
Will the hospitals remain open?
Yes. Hospitals will operate normally.
Will local grocery stores operate?
Yes. All stores selling food items, groceries — fruits, vegetables, milk, bakery items, meat, fish etc — will continue to remain open.
Will petrol pumps work?
Yes. Petrol pumps, LPG/OIL agencies will continue to function.
Will I be able to leave my city/state?
Several states have sealed their borders and only essential services and emergency cases are being allowed to cross. Travel only if you must.
Will everything be normal after March 31?
Unlikely. Depending upon the severity of the outbreak, the lockdown can be relaxed or made even more stringent.
Can I go for eating out?
No. All restaurants, pubs and malls have been ordered to close down. However, you can make online orders for food delivery.
Can police arrest you for violating lockdown?
The Centre on Monday told states to take strict legal action against those who violated the provisions of lockdown. Police can initiate an action against a person for violation of Section 144 of CrPC, Section 270 and 271 of the IPC and for violating curfew. A violation of any of these rules can result in the imposition of fine or imprisonment from six months to two years. All lockdown advisories should be followed with utmost seriousness.
Is there a lockdown in my district?
As of March 23, the government had imposed lockdown in 30 states and Union territories covering 606 districts out of 728 districts.
Will I catch coronavirus from my pets?
While there has been one instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong, to date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly.