Amid the nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus, a question people all across the country - from metropolitan cities to hinterland towns to remote villages - are pondering is about their daily essential grocery needs. As per the government's order on social distancing, many shops, hypermarkets & malls have been shut down to avoid chaos and overcrowding of places. In this crucial time, one of India's popular hypermarkets- Big Bazaar had earlier announced that it will be providing home delivery services in Mumbai.

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN CHECK IF THE BIG BAZAAR CLOSE TO YOUR HOUSE IS OPEN

Taking to Twitter, Big Bazaar had listed the places where it delivers in Mumbai and respective phone numbers where one can call and order their groceries. The brand also has a website from where you can order anything and the item will be delivered at your doorstep.

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With a 21-day lockdown being imposed, here's what the official notification has to say about grocery stores and deliveries:

• "Shops, including ration shops (under PDS), dealing with food, groceries, fruits and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, meat and fish, animal fodder" are allowed to be open.
• It adds, "District authorities may encourage and facilitate home delivery to minimize the movement of individuals outside their homes."
• Specific to home deliveries, it goes on to state, "Delivery of all essential goods, including food, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment through e-commerce is allowed."

PM's appeal

In his address to the nation on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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. 

PM Modi also appealed to the people that there was no need to panic as all the essential commodities would be available.  

READ | 'COVID-19 Has Destroyed Most Able Countries, Only Solution Is Social Distancing': PM Modi

List of essential services to be functioning

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines with a list of essential services that will remain open amid the 21-day lockdown.

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