India Nationwide Lockdown Measures... Domestic Travel Also Restricted

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Indian government has effectively imposed a nationwide lockdown and restricted domestic movement to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The lockdown will continue until the end of this month, with public transportation suspended and commercial facilities closed in most parts of India, including the capital New Delhi. As a result, the mobility of approximately 1.38 billion Indian citizens has been severely restricted.

According to foreign media such as the AP News, on the 24th, the Indian government issued lockdown orders in 30 states and union territories and 548 districts nationwide. With lockdowns imposed in over 500 out of 732 districts, lockdown measures have effectively been implemented across most of the country. This lockdown will last until the 31st of this month in most areas.

Lockdowns have been imposed in major cities including New Delhi, the capital, and Mumbai, the largest economic city. Public transportation such as trains, subways, and long-distance buses have been suspended, and schools, religious facilities, and various workplaces have all been closed. Residents in these areas are mostly restricted from going out unless for urgent matters such as purchasing essential goods or visiting hospitals. Movement has been blocked to a level close to a curfew. The Indian federal government has instructed state governments to take strong legal action against those who violate the lockdown orders.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted the previous day, "Many people still do not take the lockdown seriously," urging, "Please follow the (government's) instructions seriously and protect yourself and your family." Both international and domestic passenger flights will be suspended for the time being, although cargo flights will continue to operate.

These stringent lockdown measures have been implemented due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in India. Until early this month, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India was less than 100, but it has recently surged sharply. As of this day, India has recorded 468 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 9 deaths.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.