The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in exercise of the powers under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005, has issued an Order today, directing the Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, and the State/Union Territory Governments and State/ Union Territory Authorities to take effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. P K Mishra, Cabinet Secretary Shri Rajiv Gauba and Home Secretary Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla briefed the Chief Secretaries of all the States and UTs on the Lockdown Measures to be taken from midnight today.

Dr. P K Mishra mentioned that the present situation is unique as in case people do not maintain distance then there are chances of multiplying infection even if few people assemble. The present situation is not like an ordinary case of law and order, so this is the right time to take stringent action, he added.

The Cabinet Secretary mentioned that inconvenience to the citizens is to be minimized and people are to be sensitized about exemptions. The supply of ready made and cooked food is to be ensured and as far as possible, home deliveries should be facilitated, he added.

The Home Secretary shared the Guidelines on the measures to be taken by Ministries/Departments of Government of India, States/Union Territories for containment of the COVID-19 Epidemic. The Chief Secretaries were also briefed about those that are exempted from lockdown like Doctors, Medical Staff, Essential Services, Security, Media etc.

In compliance of the said Order of NDMA, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued another Order today under the National Disaster Management Act, directing the Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, State/Union Territory Governments and State/ Union Territory Authorities to take effective measures for ensuring social distancing so as to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country. The Order shall remain in force, in all parts of the country, for a period of 21 days with effect from 25.03.2020.