Which transport services are allowed during 21-day Coronavirus lockdown? Guidelines here

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a 21-day lockdown in the entire country effective from midnight of March 25 to deal with the spread of coronavirus, saying that "social distancing" is the only option to deal with the disease, which spreads rapidly. Amid the lockdown, all transport services including airways, rail and roadways will remain suspended, stated the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

However, according to the MHA guidelines, transport for essential goods, fire, law and order and emergency services will be exempted and will remain functional. 

MHA issues guidelines 

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines for the 21-day lockdown, giving a list of essential services that will remain open. 

Here's what it says about transport services:

"All transport services - air, rail, roadways - will remain suspended. 

Exceptions:

a. Transportation for essential goods only

b. Fire, law and order emergency services"

 Read: At end of 2-week lockdown, Italy's new COVID-19 infections drop to lowest point in crisis

Read: India records 11th COVID-19 death as cases surge to 536 across the country

'Absolutely no need to panic'

After announcing a national lockdown for 21 days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged people not to panic. He stated that the essential goods are services will be available during the lockdown. 

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India has reported over 536 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. Out of all the states, Maharashtra has crossed a total of 100 positive cases becoming the highest number of cases detected in the country. Meanwhile, eleven people have died so far due to the deadly virus.

Read: COVID 19: OYO's Ritesh Agarwal ready to provide 'hospital facilities, extended spaces'

Read: Trinamool MP Nusrat Jahan to deploy MPLAD fund to buy anti-Coronavirus items for Basirhat