Are food & grocery stores open during India's 21-day Coronavirus lockdown? Answered

In his address to nation on March 24, PM Modi anunced that starting midnight on March 24, entire country will be under complete lockdown for next 21 days to counter Coronavirus. Soon after, Home Ministry released detailed guidelines on measures to be taken by central and state level to contain COVID-19 epidemic. According to official guidelines, all commercials and private establishments will be closed down with a few exceptions. However, food and groceries shops will remain open.

detailed guidelines released by MHA states, "All commercials and private establishments will be closed." Exceptions:

• Shops, including ration shops (under PDS), dealing with food, groceries, fruits and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, meat and fish, animal fodder. However, district authorities may encour and facilitate home delivery to minimize movement of individuals outside ir homes. 

Here is copy of official guidelines:

As soon as Prime Minister Narendra Modi anunced an unprecedented national lockdown for next 21 days, a panic button was triggered across country as reports of people rushing to buy groceries and essentials began surfacing. In a few minutes after his address, PM Modi urged people t to indulge in panic buying. 

're is absolutely need to panic'

PM Modi urged people t to panic and assured citizens that re will be short of essential commodities and medicines during 21-day lockdown period. "re is absolutely need to panic," PM Modi said in a tweet "Essential commodities, medicines etc. would be available. Centre and various state governments will work in close coordination to ensure this," he said.

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Advising people t to hoard essential items, PM Modi said, "By converging around shops, you are risking spread of Covid-19. panic buying, please. Please stay indoors."  According to Health Ministry, India has reported about 562 Coronavirus cases in India, with 512 active cases. Eleven people have died so far due to deadly virus.

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