Banks, insurance offices & ATMs permitted to be open during 21-day Coronavirus lockdown

Essential services such as banks, insurance offices & ATMs would remain open amid 21-day lockdown anunced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in order to tackle coronavirus pandemic. After PM Modi anunced a lockdown in entire country, National Disaster Manment Authority (NDMA) issued an order directing government of India, state governments and Union Territory authorities to take effective measures to prevent spread of vel coronavirus. Complying with this, Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order directing all authorities to implement social distancing measures. This order shall remain in force for a period of 21 days with effect from March 25, 2020.  

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Banks, ATM's to remain open

guidelines list "Banks insurance offices and ATMs" as being exempted from closure.

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Here is MHA order and guidelines:

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Total lockdown anunced

Addressing nation on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi anunced a total lockdown in country. He highlighted pace at which vel coronavirus spreads. Citing a report by World Health Organisation, he mentioned that COVID-19 had rapidly infected people within a matter of days. Moreover, he stated that it is very difficult to stop spread of COVID-19 once it starts spreading. reafter, PM gave example of Italy and US who could t control situation despite having  one of best healthcare systems in world.  

're is absolutely need to panic'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday 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.

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 Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India has reported about 536 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. Eleven people have died so far due to deadly virus.

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