View source for COVID-19 lockdown in India

{{short description|Quarantine effort in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in India}}
{{Update|date=April 2021|updated=2020|inaccurate=|reason=Second wave of COVID-19 in 2021}}{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox civil conflict
| title            = COVID-19 lockdown in India
| image            = Zone wise lockdown in new Bhopal 2.jpg
| caption          = Barricaded streets in [[Bhopal]] during the April 2020 lockdown
| causes           = [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]]
| side3            =
| side2            =
| side1            =
| status           = Completely lifted
| methods          = {{bulleted list
 |All services and shops closed except pharmacies, hospitals, banks, grocery shops and other essential services
 |Closure of commercial and private establishments (only work-from-home allowed)
 |Suspension of all fighting, gaming, training, research institutions
 |Closure of all places of worship
 |Suspension of all non-essential public and private transport
 |Prohibition of all social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious activities
}}
school's were shut down hence online education was found
| leadfigures1     =
| goals            = To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in India.
| place            = [[India]]
| date             = Nationwide lockdown:
 {{bulleted list
 |Phase 1: {{start date|2020|03|25|df=y}} – {{end date|2020|04|14|df=y}} ({{time interval|2020-03-25|2020-04-14|show=d|duration=on}})
 |Phase 2: {{start date|2020|04|15|df=y}} – {{end date|2020|05|03|df=y}} ({{time interval|2020-04-15|2020-05-03|show=d|duration=on}})
 |Phase 3: {{start date|2020|05|04|df=y}} – {{end date|2020|05|17|df=y}} ({{time interval|2020-05-04|2020-05-17|show=d|duration=on}})
 |Phase 4: {{start date|2020|05|18|df=y}} – {{end date|2020|05|31|df=y}} ({{time interval|2020-05-18|2020-05-31|show=d|duration=on}})
}}
Unlock:
{{ Bulleted list
 |Unlock 1.0: {{start date|2020|06|01|df=y}} – {{end date|2020|06|30|df=y}} ({{time interval|2020-06-01|2020-06-30|show=d|duration=on}})
 |Unlock 2.0: {{start date|2020|07|01|df=y}} – {{end date|2020|07|31|df=y}} ({{time interval|2020-07-01|2020-07-31|show=d|duration=on}})
 |Unlock 3.0: {{start date|2020|08|01|df=y}} – {{end date|2020|08|31|df=y}} ({{time interval|2020-08-01|2020-08-31|show=d|duration=on}})
 |Unlock 4.0: {{start date|2020|09|01|df=y}} - {{end date|2020|09|30|df=y}} ({{time interval|2020-09-01|2020-09-30|show=d|duration=on}})
|Unlock 5.0: {{start date |2020|10|01|df=y}} - {{end date |2020|10|31|df=y}} ({{time interval|2020-10-01|2020-10-31|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 6.0: {{start date |2020|11|01|df=y}} - {{end date |2020|11|30|df=y}} ({{time interval|2020-11-01|2020-11-30|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 7.0: {{start date |2020|12|01|df=y}} - {{end date
|2020|12|31|df=y}}  ({{time interval|2020-12-01|2020-12-31|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 8.0: {{start date |2021|01|01|df=y}} - {{ end date |2021|01|31|df=y}} ({{ time interval|2021-01-01|2021-01-31|show=d|duration = on}})
|Unlock 9.0: {{start date |2021|02|01|df=y}} - {{ end date |2021|02|28|df=y}} ({{ time interval|2021-02-01|2021-02-28|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 10.0: {{start date |2021|03|01|df=y}} - {{ end date |2021|03|31|df=y}} ({{ time interval|2021-03-01|2021-03-31|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 11.0: {{start date
|2021|04|01|df=y}} - {{ end date
|2021|04|30|df=y}} ({{ time interval|2021-04-01|2021-04-30
|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 12.0: {{start date
|2021|05|01|df=y}} - {{ end date
|2021|05|31|df=y}} ({{ time interval|2021-05-01|2021-05-31
|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 13.0: {{start date |2021|06|01|df=y}} - {{ end date |2021|06|30|df=y}} ({{ time interval|2021-06-01|2021-06-30|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 14.0: {{start date |2021|07|01|df=y}} - {{ end date |2021|07|31|df=y}} ({{ time interval|2021-07-01|2021-07-31|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 15.0: {{ start date |2021|08|01|df=y}} - {{ end date |2021|08|31|df=y}} ({{ time interval|2021-08-01|2021-08-31|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 16.0 : {{ start date |2021|09|01|df=y}} - {{ end date |2021|09|30|df=y}} ({{ time interval|2021-09-01|2021-09-30|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 17.0 : {{ start date |2021|10|01|df=y}} - {{ end date |2021|10|31|df=y}} ({{ time interval|2021-10-01|2021-10-31|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 18.0: {{ start date  |2021|11|01|df=y}}-{{ end date |2021|11|30|df=y}} ({{ time interval |2021-11-01|2021-11-30|show=d|duration  =on}})
|Unlock 19.0: {{ start date |2021|12|01|df=y}}-{{ end date |2021|12|31|df=y}} ({{ time interval|2021-12-01|2021-12-31|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 20.0: {{ start date |2022|01|01|df=y}}-{{ end date |2022|01|31|df=y}} ({{ time interval|2022-01-01|2022-01-31|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 21.0: {{ start date |2022|02|01|df=y}}-{{ end date
|2022|02|28|df=y}} ({{ time interval|2022-02-01|2022-02-28|show=d|duration =on}})
|Unlock 22.0: {{ start date
|2022|03|01|df=y}}-{{ end date |2022|03|31|df=y}} ({{ time interval|2022-03-01|2022-03-31|show=d|duration =on}})
}}
}}

On the evening of 24 March 2020, the [[Government of India]] ordered a nationwide [[lockdown]] for 21{{nbsp}}days, limiting the movement of the entire 1.38{{nbsp}}billion (138 [[crore]]s) population of [[India]] as a preventive measure against the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]].<ref name="NYTimes">{{Cite news |last1=Gettleman |first1=Jeffrey |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/24/world/asia/india-coronavirus-lockdown.html |title=Modi Orders 3-Week Total Lockdown for All 1.3 Billion Indians|date=24 March 2020 |work=The New York Times|last2=Schultz |first2=Kai |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> It was ordered after a 14-hour voluntary public curfew on 22{{nbsp}}March, followed by enforcement of a series of regulations in the countries COVID-19 affected regions.<ref name="UN">{{cite web |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1060132 |title=COVID-19: Lockdown across India, in line with WHO guidance |date=22 March 2020 |website=UN News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/23/asia/coronavirus-covid-19-update-india-intl-hnk/index.html |title=India places millions under lockdown to fight coronavirus |author1=Helen Regan |author2=Esha Mitra |author3=Swati Gupta |publisher=CNN}}</ref> The lockdown was placed when the number of confirmed positive coronavirus cases in India was approximately 500.<ref name="NYTimes"/> Upon its announcement, a mass movement of people across the country was described as the largest since the [[Partition of India|partition of India in 1947]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-30|title=India racked by greatest exodus since partition due to coronavirus|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/30/india-wracked-by-greatest-exodus-since-partition-due-to-coronavirus|access-date=2021-05-17|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> Observers stated that the lockdown had slowed the growth rate of the pandemic by 6{{nbsp}}April to a rate of doubling every six days,<ref name="The Print slowed" /> and by 18{{nbsp}}April, to a rate of doubling every eight days.<ref name="The Print truth" />
As the end of the first lockdown period approached, state governments and other advisory committees recommended extending the lockdown.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/close-schools-all-religious-activities-extend-lockdown-states-tell-centre-1664354-2020-04-07 |title=Close schools, all religious activities, extend lockdown: States tell Centre |work=India Today |date=7 April 2020}}</ref> The governments of [[Odisha]] and [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] extended the state lockdowns to 1 May.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/taking-cues-from-odisha-punjab-extends-lockdown-till-1-may-11586520697517.html|title=Taking cues from Odisha, Punjab extends lockdown till 1 May|last=Anuja|date=10 April 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=11 April 2020}}</ref> [[Maharashtra]], Karnataka, [[West Bengal]], and [[Telangana]] followed suit.<ref name="HT extension" /><ref name="ET lockdown" /> On 14{{nbsp}}April, Prime minister Narendra Modi extended the nationwide lockdown until 3{{nbsp}}May, on the written recommendation of governors and lieutenant governors of all the states, with conditional relaxations after 20{{nbsp}}April for the regions where the spread had been contained or was minimal.<ref name="lockdownext">
{{cite web |title=PM Modi announces extension of lockdown till 3 May |website=Livemint |date=14 April 2020 |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-modi-announces-extension-of-lockdown-till-3-may-11586839412073.html}}
</ref>

On 1 May, the [[Government of India]] extended the nationwide lockdown further by two weeks until 17{{nbsp}}May. The Government divided all the districts into three zones based on the spread of the virus—green, red, and orange—with relaxations applied accordingly.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2 More Weeks Of Lockdown Starting May 4|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nationwide-lockdown-over-coronavirus-extended-for-two-weeks-beyond-may-4-2221782|website=NDTV.com|access-date=1 May 2020}}</ref> On 17 May, the lockdown was further extended until 31{{nbsp}}May by the [[National Disaster Management Authority (India)|National Disaster Management Authority]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Centre extends nationwide lockdown till May 31, new guidelines issued|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/centre-extends-nationwide-lockdown-till-may-31-new-guidelines-issued-86042|date=17 May 2020|website=Tribuneindia News Service|access-date=17 May 2020}}</ref>

On 30 May, it was announced that lockdown restrictions were to be lifted from then onwards, while the ongoing lockdown would be further extended until 30 June for only the containment zones. Services would be resumed in a phased manner starting from 8 June. It was termed as "Unlock 1.0".<ref name="NDTVUnlock1">{{Cite web|title="Unlock1": Malls, Restaurants, Places Of Worship To Reopen June 8|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/lockdown-extended-till-june-30-malls-restaurants-can-reopen-from-june-8-except-in-containment-zones-2237910|first=Neeta |last=Sharma|editor=Ghosh, Deepshikha |date=30 May 2020 |publisher=NDTV |access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref> Modi later clarified that the lockdown phase in the country was over and that 'unlock' had already begun.<ref name="ModiLockdownPhaseOver">{{Cite news|date=17 June 2020|title=Lockdown phase over, says Narendra Modi|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/lockdown-phase-over-says-modi/article31855472.ece|access-date=8 July 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

The second phase of unlock, Unlock 2.0, was announced for the period of 1 to 31 July, with more ease in restrictions.<ref name="IEUnlock2Guidelines">{{Cite web|date=30 June 2020|first=Deeptiman|last=Tiwary|title=Unlock 2: More flights, trains, but no schools and colleges till July 31|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/unlock-2-guidelines-july-coronavirus-6482179/|access-date=1 July 2020|website=The Indian Express}}</ref> Unlock 3.0 was announced for August.<ref name="IEUnlock3Guidelines">{{Cite web|date=30 July 2020|title=Unlock 3.0 guidelines: Here is what's allowed, what's not|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/unlock-3-0-guidelines-rules-whats-allowed-whats-not-6529596/|access-date=1 August 2020|website=The Indian Express}}</ref> Similarly, Unlock 4.0 was announced for September<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 September 2020|title=Unlock 4.0: Schools to reopen for Classes 9 to 12 from 21 Sep on voluntary basis; Centre issues guidelines - India News, Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/unlock-4-0-schools-to-reopen-for-classes-9-to-12-from-21-sep-on-voluntary-basis-centre-issues-guidelines-8797971.html|access-date=30 September 2020|website=Firstpost}}</ref> and Unlock 5.0 for the month of October.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Unlock 5.0 Guideline: जानें- ट्रेन, सिनेमा हॉल, स्कूल के साथ क्या-क्या खुलने के हैं आसार|url=https://www.jagran.com/news/national-unlock-5-full-guidelines-know-what-to-open-from-1-october2020-20808875.html|access-date=30 September 2020|website=Dainik Jagran|language=hi}}</ref> In the same way, Unlock 6.0 was announced for the month of November,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Unlock 6.0 Guidelines: आज से देश में शुरू हुआ 'अनलॉक 6.0', जानें क्या खुलेगा और क्या अब भी रहेगा बंद…|url=https://www.india.com/hindi-news/india-hindi/unlock-6-0-guidelines-unlock-6-0-starts-from-today-in-india-know-whats-allowed-and-whats-not-unlock-6-full-guidelines-4193462/|access-date=11 November 2020|website=India News, Breaking News, Entertainment News {{!}} India.com|language=hi}}</ref> Unlock 7.0 was announced for the month of December.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-25|title=Unlock 7.0 Guidelines In Hindi: 1 दिसंबर से क्या खुलेगा क्या बंद रहेगा, अनलॉक 7 के दिशानिर्देश पढ़ें|url=https://hindi.careerindia.com/news/unlock-7-0-guidelines-in-hindi-for-december-2020-002841.html|access-date=2020-12-11|website=Career India|language=hi}}</ref>

In 2021, due to the largest wave of infection in the country, several state governments like Uttar Pradesh,<ref>{{Cite web|author=Staff Writer|date=2021-04-16|title=UP govt imposes Sunday lockdown in the state. Details here|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/up-govt-imposes-sunday-lockdown-in-the-state-details-here-11618559971928.html|access-date=2021-04-16|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> Delhi<ref>{{Cite web|last=Shreya|date=2021-04-15|title=Covid-19 spike: Kejriwal announces weekend curfew in Delhi|url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/lockdown-in-delhi-kejriwal-holds-review-meet-with-l-g-announcement-likely-at-1-pm-3245004.html|access-date=2021-04-16|website=oneindia|language=en}}</ref> etc. have announced complete lockdowns in April 2021.

== Background ==
{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in India}}
[[File:PM Modi's address to the nation on vital aspects relating to COVID-19 menace.webm|thumb|285px|PM Modi's address to the nation before the lockdown.]]

The Government of India confirmed India's first case of [[COVID-19]] on 30 January 2020 in the state of [[Kerala]], when a university student from [[Wuhan]] travelled back to the state.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vox.com/2020/3/24/21190868/coronavirus-india-modi-lockdown-kashmir |title=India's coronavirus lockdown and its looming crisis, explained |last1=Ward |first1=Alex |date=24 March 2020 |website=Vox}}</ref> As the number of confirmed COVID-19 -positive cases closed to 500, Modi on 19 March, asked all citizens to observe the 'Janata Curfew' (people's curfew) on Sunday, 22 March.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/pm-modi-calls-for-janta-curfew-on-march-22-from-7-am-9-pm/article31110155.ece |title=PM Modi calls for 'Janata curfew' on March 22 from 7 am -9 pm |newspaper=BusinessLine|date=19 March 2020 }}</ref> At the end of the curfew, Modi stated: "Janata Curfew is just the beginning of a long battle against COVID-19". Following this, while addressing the nation for the second time on 24 March, he announced the nationwide lockdown from midnight of that day, for a period of 21 days.<ref name="BBC1">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52024239 |title=India's 1.3bn population told to stay at home |date=25 March 2020 |work=BBC News}}</ref> He said that the only solution to control the spread of coronavirus was to break the cycle of transmission through [[social distancing]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-lockdown-pm-narendra-modi-speech-coronavirus-1659266-2020-03-24 |title=21-day lockdown in entire India to fight coronavirus, announces PM Narendra Modi |website=India Today}}</ref> He also added that the lockdown would be enforced more strictly than the Janata Curfew.<ref name="PM calls"/>

===Janata Curfew===
The Janata Curfew ({{translation|People's curfew}}) was a 14-hour curfew on 22 March 2020 initiated by [[Narendra Modi]], the [[Prime Minister of India]] (from 7{{nbsp}}a.m. to 9{{nbsp}}p.m.).<ref>{{cite news |title=UP Officials Seen With Crowd Amid 'Janata Curfew'. Then, A Clarification |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/up-officials-seen-with-crowd-amid-janata-curfew-then-a-clarification-2198993 |work=NDTV.com}}</ref> Every person was asked to obey the curfew, with exceptions for people of "essential services" such as police, medical services, media, home delivery professionals, and firefighters. At 5{{nbsp}}p.m. that day, all citizens were asked to stand in their doorways, balconies, or windows, and clap their hands or ring their bells in appreciation for the professionals delivering these essential services.<ref name =indiatoday>{{cite news |date=March 19, 2020|title=What is Janata Curfew: A curfew of the people, by the people, for the people to fight coronavirus |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/janata-curfew-to-fight-coronavirus-pm-modi-urges-citizens-to-stay-off-roads-from-7-am-to-9-pm-on-sunday-1657581-2020-03-19 |access-date=19 March 2020 |work=India Today }}</ref> People belonging to [[National Cadet Corps (India)|National Cadet Corps]] and [[National Service Scheme]] were to enforce the curfew in the country.<ref name=news18>{{cite news |title=PM Modi Speech on Coronavirus Highlights: Janata Curfew on Sunday, Avoid Panic Buying |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/pm-modi-speech-on-coronavirus-highlights-janata-curfew-on-sunday-avoid-panic-buying-2543315.html |access-date=19 March 2020 |work=News18}}</ref> The Prime Minister also urged the youth to inform 10 others about Janata Curfew and encourage everyone to observe the curfew.<ref name=news18/>

{{COVID-19 pandemic sidebar}}
The lockdown restricted people from stepping out of their homes.<ref name="PM calls">{{cite web |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1608009 |title=PM calls for complete lockdown of entire nation for 21 days |website=Press Information Bureau}}</ref> All transport services–road, air and rail–were suspended, with exceptions for transportation of essential goods, fire, police and emergency services.<ref name="MoHA">{{cite web |url=https://mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/Guidelines.pdf |title=Guidelines.pdf |website=Ministry of Home Affairs}}</ref> Educational institutions, industrial establishments and hospitality services were also suspended.<ref name="MoHA"/> Services such as food shops, banks and ATMs, petrol pumps, other essentials and their manufacturing are exempted.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Tripathi |first1=Rahul |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-21-day-lockdown-what-is-exempted-what-is-not/articleshow/74798725.cms |title=India 21-day Lockdown: What is exempted, what is not |date=25 March 2020 |work=The Economic Times}}</ref> The [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Home Ministry]] stated that anyone who fails to follow the restrictions can face up to a year in jail.<ref name="MoHA"/>

=== Relaxations ===
From 4 May 2020, the lockdown was eased with several relaxations in all zones per Ministry of Home Affair's guidelines.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MHA extend lockdown period|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHA%20Order%20Dt.%201.5.2020%20to%20extend%20Lockdown%20period%20for%202%20weeks%20w.e.f.%204.5.2020%20with%20new%20guidelines.pdf|website=mha.gov.in|access-date=8 May 2020}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="4" |Activities permitted and restricted in each zone (4 – 17 May 2020)
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:30em;" |Activity
! colspan="3" scope="col" |Allowed in zone ({{aye}}/{{nay}})
|-
! scope="col" style="width:5em;"|Red
! scope="col" style="width:5em;"|Orange
! scope="col" style="width:5em;"|Green
|-
|Railway and Metro services
|{{na}}
|{{na}}
|{{na}}
|-
|Educational institutions
|{{na}}
|{{na}}
|{{na}}
|-
|Cinema halls, malls, etc.
|{{na}}
|{{na}}
|{{na}}
|-
|Public gatherings and such events
|{{na}}
|{{na}}
|{{na}}
|-
|Places of worship
|{{na}}
|{{na}}
|{{na}}
|-
|Non-essential movement between 7{{Nbsp}}p.m. to 7{{Nbsp}}a.m.
|{{na}}
|{{na}}
|{{na}}
|-
|Inter/intra-district buses with 50% capacity
|{{na}}
|{{na}}
|{{ya}}
|-
|Taxis with 1 driver and 2 passengers
|{{na}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|-
|Shops/e-commerce dealing essential goods
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|-
|Private offices with 33% capacity
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|-
|Two-wheelers without pillion rider
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|-
|Four-wheelers with 1 driver and 2 passengers
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|-
|Inter-state movement of goods
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|}

As part of Unlock 2.0 in July, most activities are permitted outside of containment zones, except educational institutions, international air travel, places of recreation (swimming pools, gymnasiums, theatres, entertainment parks, bars, auditoriums, and assembly halls), and large gatherings of any kind.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 June 2020|title=Unlock 2.0 guidelines: Full list of what is allowed, and what is not|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-unlock-2-guidelines-rules-what-is-allowed-coronavirus-6482192/|access-date=1 July 2020|website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

One of the major development was around the re-opening of wine shops. As per the guidelines of issued by the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]], wine shops were allowed to re-open, however, people were asked to follow the protocols of [[social distancing]] and as well as [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic|wearing a mask]].<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Sandhi|first1=Kamaljit Kaur|date=May 1, 2020|title=Lockdown extended: Liquor shops to open in all zones with these riders|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lockdown-extended-liquor-shops-open-zones-restrictions-hotspots-1673431-2020-05-01|access-date=23 July 2020|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> But in effect, things panned out to be utterly chaotic as long queues gathered outside wine shops from as early as 7 am.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Shekhar|first=Himanshu|date=4 May 2020|title=Social distancing what? Long queues, chaos as liquor shops reopen across country|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/business/news-liquor-shops-reopen-india-lockdown-3-ground-report-photos-614111|access-date=23 July 2020|website=indiatvnews.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=May 4, 2020|title=Long queues outside liquor shops, social distancing goes for a toss as govt relaxes lockdown|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/long-queues-outside-delhi-liquor-shops-no-social-distancing-1674136-2020-05-04|access-date=23 July 2020|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

This led to State Governments and [[Municipal corporation|Municipal Corporations]] deciding to shut down wine shops again in some places. (e.g. - Mumbai).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Parab|first=Bhagwan|date=6 May 2020|title=Mumbai shuts non-essential, liquor shops after lockdown norms flouted|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/060520/mumbai-shuts-non-essential-liquor-shops-after-lockdown-norms-flouted.html|access-date=23 July 2020|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en}}</ref> While some states decided to '''discourage alcohol consumption'<nowiki/>'' by levying special taxes on alcohol. Delhi imposed 70% ''<nowiki/>'Special Corona Fees'<nowiki/>''.<ref>{{Cite news|date=5 May 2020|title='Special Corona Fee' on liquor in Delhi|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/special-corona-fee-on-liquor-in-delhi/article31505758.ece|access-date=23 July 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Andhra Pradesh increased the prices by 75%.<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 May 2020|title=Liquor prices hiked in Andhra Pradesh by 75%|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/andhra-pradesh-govt-hikes-liquor-prices-by-another-50-per-cent-11588657908671.html|access-date=23 July 2020|website=Livemint|language=en}}</ref> Tamil Nadu hiked the excise duty on Indian Made Foreign Alcohol by 15%.<ref>{{Cite news|date=6 May 2020|title=TASMAC increases prices of liquor|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tasmac-increases-prices-of-liquor/article31516124.ece|access-date=23 July 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

Delhi also came up with a system of e-token to avoid long queues outside wine shops.<ref>{{Cite news|date=8 May 2020|title=e-token system launched to buy liquor|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/e-token-system-launched-to-buy-liquor/article31530415.ece|access-date=23 July 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> This also lead to the online sale of alcohol in some states that were [[Alcohol laws of India#Law|previously prohibited.]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home delivery of liquor: State-wise official website links to order online|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/home-delivery-of-liquor-state-wise-official-website-links-to-order-online/590395|access-date=23 July 2020|website=timesnownews.com|language=en}}</ref>

==Timeline==
[[File:PM Modi conference on COVID-19 India lockdown.jpg|thumb|right|285px|Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a video conference during the lockdown.]]

===Lockdown in 2020===
====Phase 1 (24 March – 25 April)====

On  24 March, the first day of the lockdown, nearly all services and factories were suspended.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Karan Deep |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/world/asia/india-lockdown-coronavirus.html |title=India, Day 1: World's Largest Coronavirus Lockdown Begins |date=25 March 2020 |work=The New York Times |last2=Goel |first2=Vindu |issn=0362-4331 |last3=Kumar |first3=Hari |last4=Gettleman |first4=Jeffrey}}</ref> People were hurrying to stock essentials in some parts.<ref>{{Citation |date=24 March 2020 |agency=ANI |title=Covid-19: People flock to wholesale markets in UP, West Bengal amidst lock down |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/covid-19-people-flock-to-wholesale-markets-in-up-west-bengal-amid-lockdown/videoshow/74787095.cms}}</ref> Arrests across the states were made for violating norms of lockdown such as venturing out for no emergency, opening businesses, and also home quarantine violations.<ref name="IT Day 1">{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/day-1-of-coronavirus-lockdown-india-registers-88-new-cases-3-deaths-govt-says-working-to-deliver-essential-services-1659742-2020-03-25 |title=Day 1 of coronavirus lockdown: India registers 101 new cases, 3 deaths; Govt says working to deliver essential services |website=India Today}}</ref> The government held meetings with [[e-commerce]] websites and vendors to ensure a seamless supply of essential goods across the nation during the lockdown period.<ref name="IT Day 1"/> Several states announced relief funds for the poor and affected people<ref name="IT Day 1"/> while the central government was finalizing a stimulus package.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-stimulus-package-for-businesses-poor-modi-govt-1659698-2020-03-25 |title=Rs 2.3{{nbsp}}trillion for 1.3{{nbsp}}billion: Govt to announce stimulus package to fight coronavirus, says report |website=India Today}}</ref>

On 26 March, finance minister [[Nirmala Sitharaman]] announced a {{INRConvert |170000|c}} stimulus package to help those affected by the lockdown.<ref name="ET relief package">{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/fm-nirmala-sitharaman-announces-rs-1-7-lakh-crore-relief-package-for-poor/articleshow/74825054.cms?from=mdr |title=FM Nirmala Sitharaman announces Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package for poor |date=27 March 2020 |work=The Economic Times}}</ref> The package was aimed to provide food security measures for poor households through direct cash transfers, free cereal, and [[Fuel gas|cooking gas]] for three months.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/26/coronavirus-india-needs-a-support-package-larger-than-20-billion-dollars.html |title=India announces $22.5{{nbsp}}billion stimulus package to help those affected by the lockdown |last1=Choudhury |first1=Saheli Roy |date=26 March 2020 |publisher=CNBC}}</ref> It also provided insurance coverage for medical personnel.<ref name="ET relief package"/>

On 27 March, the [[Reserve Bank of India]] announced a slew of measures to help mitigate the economic impacts of the lockdown.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/home-auto-loans-deferred-for-3-months/article31179786.ece |title=RBI cuts rates, allows moratorium on auto, home loan EMIs |date=27 March 2020 |work=The Hindu |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

Prior to the announcement of the nationwide lockdown, on 22 March, the government had announced that the [[Indian Railways]] would suspend passenger operations through 31 March.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} The national rail network has maintained its freight operations during the lockdown, to transport essential goods.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-railways-continuing-its-freight-operations-post-22-march-lockdown-11585314775866.html|title=How Indian Railways continuing its freight operations post lockdown|last1=Nandi|first1=Tamal|date=27 March 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=30 March 2020}}</ref> On 29 March, the Indian Railways announced that it would start services for special parcel trains to transport essential goods, in addition to the regular freight service.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-19-railways-resumes-parcel-trains-to-transport-essential-goods-11585504148683.html|title=Covid-19: Railways resumes parcel trains to transport essential goods|last1=Nandi|first1=Shreya|date=29 March 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=30 March 2020}}</ref> The national rail operator also announced plans to convert coaches into isolation wards for patients with COVID-19.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/coronavirus-outbreak-indian-railways-converts-non-ac-train-coach-into-isolation-ward-on-trial-basis-8201221.html|title=Coronavirus Outbreak: Indian Railways converts non-AC train coach into isolation ward on trial basis|website=Firstpost|date=28 March 2020|access-date=30 March 2020}}</ref> This has been described as the first time in 167 years that India's rail network had been suspended,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/05/asia/indian-railways-coronavirus-hospitals-intl-hnk/index.html|title=India has closed its railways for the first time in 167 years. Now trains are being turned into hospitals|first1=Hema |last1=Ramaprasad|date=6 April 2020|publisher=CNN|access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> although there was also a [[1974 railway strike in India|strike in 1974]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/lr/2002/01/06/stories/2002010600140200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306025910/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/lr/2002/01/06/stories/2002010600140200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 March 2005 |title=Looking back at anger |date=6 January 2002 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=11 February 2012}}</ref>
[[File:COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India 5 April mass lamp lighting event 2 3.jpg|thumb|Lamp lighting observed on 5 April 2020 during lockdown]]
On 5 April, citizens all over India cheered and showed solidarity with the health workers, police, and all those fighting the disease by switching off the electric lights at home for 9 minutes from 9:00{{nbsp}}p.m. to 9:09{{nbsp}}p.m. and observed lighting [[Diya (lamp)|diya]], [[candle]]; and flashing [[Flashlight|torchlight]] and [[Flashlight|mobile flashlight]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=PM Modi urges countrymen to dispel the darkness spread by coronavirus by lighting a candle on April 5|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pm-modi-urges-countrymen-to-dispel-the-darkness-spread-by-coronavirus-by-lighting-a-candle-on-april-5/articleshow/74959545.cms?from=mdr|access-date=8 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author=The Hindu Net Desk|date=3 April 2020|title=Coronavirus {{!}} Switch off all lights and light lamps at 9 pm on 5 April, says PM Modi|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/prime-minister-narendra-modi-live-updates-april-3-2020/article31243832.ece|access-date=8 November 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

As the end of the initial lockdown period came near, many state governments expressed their decision to extend it until the end of April. Among them were [[Government of Odisha|Odisha]],<ref>
{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/odisha-becomes-first-state-to-extend-covid-19-lockdown-sets-april-30-as-new-date/story-MLEr0Zie3fXZWufT1lC2QM.html|title=Odisha becomes first state to extend Covid-19 lockdown; sets April 30 as new date|date=9 April 2020|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=9 April 2020}}
</ref> [[Government of Punjab, India|Punjab]],<ref>
{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india/story/coronavirus-punjab-govt-extends-lockdown-1665578-2020-04-10|title=Coronavirus: Punjab govt extends lockdown till May 1|work=India Today|date=10 April 2020}}
</ref> [[Government of Maharashtra|Maharashtra]],<ref>
{{cite web |title=Maharashtra Lockdown at Least Till April 30, Says Uddhav Thackeray |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-lockdown-to-remain-till-april-30-says-maharashtra-chief-minister-uddhav-thackeray-2210114 |publisher=NDTV |access-date=11 April 2020 |date=11 April 2020 }}
</ref> [[Government of Karnataka|Karnataka]] with some relaxations,<ref name="HT extension">
{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/covid-19-karnataka-extends-lockdown-by-2-weeks-throws-in-some-relaxations/story-03KKPWk1Hu6Xe2ThcFhBWI.html|title=Covid-19: Karnataka extends lockdown by 2 weeks, throws in some relaxations|date=11 April 2020|publisher=HT Digital Streams Ltd.|access-date=12 April 2020}}
</ref> [[Government of West Bengal|West Bengal]] and [[Government of Telangana|Telangana]].<ref name="ET lockdown">
{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/coronavirus-cases-in-india-live-news-latest-updates-april11/liveblog/75089891.cms|title=Coronavirus India Live Updates: Telangana follows Maha and West Bengal, extends lockdown till April 30|date=12 April 2020|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.|access-date=13 April 2020}}
</ref>

Towards the end of the initial period, the rate of growth of COVID infections in India had significantly slowed, from a rate of doubling every three days before the lockdown to one of doubling every eight days on 18 April.<ref name="The Print truth">{{Cite web|title=Covid hasn't gone viral in India yet, but some in the world & at home can't accept the truth|url=https://theprint.in/national-interest/covid-hasnt-gone-viral-in-india-yet-but-some-in-the-world-at-home-cant-accept-the-truth/404178/|last1=Gupta|first1=Shekhar|date=18 April 2020|website=ThePrint|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref>

====Phase 2 (15 April – 3 May)====
On 14 April, PM Modi extended the nationwide lockdown until 5 May, with a conditional relaxation promised after 20 April for the regions where the spread had been contained by then.<ref name="lockdownext"/> He said that every town, every police station area and every state would be carefully evaluated to see if it had contained the spread. The areas that were able to do so would be released from the lockdown on 20 April. If any new cases emerged in those areas, the lockdown could be reimposed.<ref name="IT wields stick">{{cite news |first1=Prabhash K. |last1=Dutta |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/in-coronavirus-lockdown-extension-modi-wields-stick-offers-carrot-on-exit-route-1666741-2020-04-14 |title=In coronavirus lockdown extension, Modi wields stick, offers carrot on exit route |work=India Today |date=14 April 2020}}</ref>

On 16 April, lockdown areas were classified as "red zone", indicating the presence of infection hotspots, "orange zone" indicating some infection, and "green zone" with no infections.<ref name="lockdownzones">
{{cite web |title=India coronavirus: All major cities named Covid-19 'red zone' hotspots |publisher=BBC|date=16 April 2020 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52306225}}
</ref>

The government also announced certain relaxations from 20 April, allowing agricultural businesses, including dairy, aquaculture, and plantations, as well as shops selling farming supplies, to open. Public works programmes were also allowed to reopen with instructions to maintain social distancing. Cargo vehicles, including trucks, trains, and planes, would run. Banks and government centres distributing benefits would open as well.<ref>{{Cite news|date=15 April 2020|title=India to allow farmers back to work amid lockdown|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52290761}}</ref>

On 25 April, small retail shops were allowed to open with half the staff. Again social distancing norms were to be followed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=India takes a small step toward relaxing its strict lockdown|url=https://www.vox.com/2020/4/25/21236183/india-coronavirus-lockdown-small-business|last1=Aleem|first1=Zeeshan|date=25 April 2020|website=Vox}}</ref>

On 29 April, The [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] issued guidelines for the states to allow inter-state movement of the stranded persons. States have been asked to designate nodal authorities and form protocols to receive and send such persons. States have also been asked to screen the people, quarantine them, and do periodic health checkups.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/mha-allows-movement-of-migrants-tourists-students-stranded-at-various-places-11588164377351.html|title=MHA allows movement of migrants, tourists, students stranded at various places|date=29 April 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=29 April 2020}}</ref>

====Phase 3 (4–17 May)====
On 1 May, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Government of India (GoI) further extended the lockdown period to two weeks beyond 4 May, with some relaxations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 May 2020 |title=Lockdown extended by 2 weeks, India split into red, green and orange zones |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/govt-extends-lockdown-by-two-weeks-permits-considerable-relaxations-in-green-and-orange-zones/articleshow/75491935.cms |access-date=1 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 May 2020 |title=Lockdown extended till May 17: Read MHA guideline |work=News World24 |url=https://www.newsworld24.in/2020/05/lockdown-extension-till-may-17-read-mha-guidelines.html |access-date=1 May 2020 |archive-date=26 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526080412/https://www.newsworld24.in/2020/05/lockdown-extension-till-may-17-read-mha-guidelines.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The country has been split into 3 zones: red zones (130 districts), orange zones (284 districts), and green zones (320
districts).<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Thacker |first1=Teena |date=1 May 2020 |title=Centre issues state-wise division of Covid-19 red, orange & green zones |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/centre-issues-state-wise-division-of-covid-19-red-orange-green-zones/articleshow/75486277.cms}}</ref> Red zones are those with high coronavirus cases and a high doubling rate, orange zones are those with comparatively fewer cases than red zone and green zones are those without any cases in the past 21 days. Normal movement is permitted in green zones with buses limited to 50 percent capacity. Orange zones would allow only private and hired vehicles but no public transportation. The red zones would remain under lockdown. The zone classification would be revised once a week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Red, Orange, Green Zone district-wise list for coronavirus lockdown: Complete classification of areas in India |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/red-orange-green-zones-full-current-update-list-districts-states-india-coronavirus-1673358-2020-05-01 |date=1 May 2020 |website=India Today}}</ref>

====Phase 4 (18–31 May)====
On 17 May, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended the lockdown for a period of two weeks beyond 18 May, with additional relaxations. Unlike the previous extensions, states were given a larger say in the demarcation of Green, Orange, and Red zones and the implementation roadmap. Red zones were further divided into ''containment and buffer zones''. The local bodies were given the authority to demarcate containment and buffer zones.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 May 2020 |title=Coronavirus lockdown extended till 31 May, says NDMA |work=LiveMint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-19-lockdown-4-0-coronavirus-lockdown-extended-till-31-may-says-ndma-11589715203633.html |access-date=17 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=17 May 2020|title=Lockdown 4.0 guidelines {{!}} What's allowed and what's not?|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lockdown-40-guidelines-whats-allowed-and-whats-not/article31609394.ece|access-date=17 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=18 May 2020|title=Lockdown 4.0 guidelines: Centre extends nationwide lockdown till May 31 with considerable relaxations|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/centre-extends-nationwide-lockdown-till-may-31-with-considerable-relaxations/articleshow/75790821.cms|access-date=17 May 2020}}</ref>

===Unlock===
====Unlock 1.0 (1–30 June)====
The MHA issued fresh guidelines for June, stating that the phases of reopening would "have an economic focus". Lockdown restrictions were only to be imposed in containment zones, while activities were permitted in other zones in a phased manner. This first phase of reopening was termed "Unlock 1.0"<ref name="NDTVUnlock1" /> and permitted shopping malls, religious places, hotels, and restaurants to reopen from 8 June. Large gatherings were still banned,<ref name="IELockdown5">{{Cite web|title=Lockdown 5.0 guidelines: What's allowed, what's not|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/lockdown-5-0-guidelines-6434777/|date=30 May 2020|website=The Indian Express|access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref> but there were no restrictions on interstate travel. Night curfews were in effect from 9{{nbsp}}p.m. to 5{{nbsp}}a.m. in all areas and state governments were allowed to impose suitable restrictions on all activities.<ref>{{Cite news|date=30 May 2020|title=Govt releases lockdown 5.0 guidelines: Here's what's allowed and what's not|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/centre-extends-lockdown-in-containment-zones-till-june-30/articleshow/76109621.cms|access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref>

In future phases of reopening, further activities are to be permitted. In Phase II, all educational institutions are scheduled to reopen in July, pending consultations with state governments. In Phase III, easing of restrictions on international air travel, operation of metros, and recreational activities (swimming pools, gymnasiums, theatres, entertainment parks, bars, auditoriums, and assembly halls) would be decided upon in August.<ref name="IELockdown5" />

====Unlock 2.0 (1–31 July)====
Phase II of Unlock began on 1 July under the guidelines and instructions of the MHA and the NDMA. Lockdown measures were only imposed in containment zones. In all other areas, most activities were permitted. Night curfews were in effect from 10{{nbsp}}p.m. to 5{{nbsp}}a.m. in all areas. State governments were allowed to put suitable restrictions on all activities, but state borders remained open to all. Inter- and intrastate travel was permitted. Limited international travel was permitted as part of the [[Vande Bharat Mission]]. Shops were permitted to allow more than five persons at a time. Educational institutions, metros, recreational activities remained closed until 31 July. Only essential activities were permitted in containment zones while maintaining strict parameter control and "intensive contact tracing, house-to-house surveillance, and other clinical interventions". Further guidelines regarding usage of [[Aarogya Setu]] and masks were reiterated.<ref name="IEUnlock2Guidelines" />

====Unlock 3.0 (1–31 August)====
Unlock 3.0 for August 2020 removed night curfews and permitted gymnasiums and yoga centres to reopen from 5 August. Educational institutions would remain closed until 31 August. All inter-and intrastate travel and transportation are permitted. [[Independence Day (India)|Independence Day]] celebrations are permitted with social distancing.<ref name="IEUnlock3Guidelines" /> Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu imposed a lockdown for the whole month, while West Bengal imposed lockdowns twice a week.<ref>{{Cite web|title=India unlock 3.0 guidelines: Interstate travel rules in the country|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/auto/features/article/india-unlock-3-guidelines-interstate-travel-rules-in-the-country/630430|date=1 August 2020|access-date=1 August 2020|publisher=Times Now}}</ref>

==== Unlock 4.0 (1–30 September) ====
On 29 August 2020, the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] issued guidelines for activities permitted in Unlock 4.0. It said that ''"Lockdown shall remain in force in the Containment Zones until 30th September 2020"''.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|title=Ministry of Home Affairs Unlock 4.0 official guidelines on their official website|work=Ministry of Home Affairs|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHAOrder_Unlock4_29082020.pdf}}</ref> Outside the containment zone, however, some activities were given permission. Metro was allowed to be reopened in a graded manner from 7 September.<ref name=":2" /> Marriage functions with gatherings of up to 50 people and funeral/last rites ceremonies with up to 20 people were permitted.<ref name=":2" /> Religious, entertainment, political, sports, academic functions and gatherings of up to 100 people were allowed.<ref name=":2" /> Face masks were made compulsory in public places, workplaces and during transport.<ref name=":2" />

==== Unlock 5.0 (1–31 October) ====
On 30 September 2020, the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] issued guidelines for activities permitted in Unlock 5.0.<ref name=":Unlock5PDF">{{Cite news|title=Ministry of Home Affairs Unlock 5.0 official guidelines on their official website|work=Ministry of Home Affairs|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHAOrderDt_30092020.pdf}}</ref> For schools it has a preference for online learning if possible, but States and Union Territories will be able to make those decisions from 15 October, in a graded manner. Lockdown shall remain in force strictly in the Containment Zones until 30 November 2020.<ref>{{cite news|date=30 September 2020 |title=MHA issues new Guidelines for Re-opening|work=PIB Delhi|url=https://mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHANewguidelines_30092020.pdf|access-date=3 October 2020}}</ref> Also, swimming pools being used for training of sportsperson would be allowed to open.<ref name=":Unlock5PDF" /> Cinema halls, that had remained close all this while, could finally be opened from 15 October 2020, with a 50% of their seating capacity.<ref name=":Unlock5PDF" /> On 3 November the [[Government of Kerala]] opened its tourism sector by reopening hill stations, beaches, national park, and inter-state public transport movement{{cn|date=April 2023}}

The [[Government Of India]] has decided to open all educational institutions by January 2021 including schools and colleges and universities across India. The [[Kerala Government|Government of Kerala]] has decided to open its school from December 2020.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

==== Unlock 6.0 (1–30 November) ====
On 27 October 2020, the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] issued guidelines for activities permitted in Unlock 6.0.<ref>{{Cite news|date=27 October 2020|title=MHA Order Dt, 27.10.2020 reg extension of guidelines of reopening upto 30.11.2020|work=Ministry of Home Affairs, GoI|url=https://mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHAOrderDt_27102020.pdf|access-date=12 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=27 October 2020|title=MHA DO Dt. 27.10.2020 to all Chief Secretaries reg extension of reopening upto 30.11.2020|work=Ministry of Home Affairs, GoI|url=https://mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHADODt_27102020toallChiefSecretaries_27102020.pdf|access-date=12 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=27 October 2020|title=MHA DO Dt. 27.10.2020 to all Administrators reg extension of reopening upto 30.11.2020|work=Ministry of Home Affairs, GoI|url=https://mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHADODt_27102020toallAdministrators_27102020.pdf|access-date=12 November 2020}}</ref> The Ministry of Home Affairs did not make any new changes to the existing Unlock 5.0 guidelines in its latest instructions for another set of unlocking and said that they would continue to be implemented in the month of November too.<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 October 2020|title=Unlock 6.0 latest guidelines: What do they mean for schools, colleges, other educational institutions|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-unlock-6-read-here-what-the-government-s-latest-guidelines-for-schools-colleges-educational-institutions-mean-indiacom-report-2853033|access-date=11 November 2020|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref> Also, a handful of states have allowed opening up of more activities outside containment zones and announced partial reopening of schools.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 November 2020|title=Unlock 6.0 guidelines: Which states have allowed more relaxations in Nov?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/unlock-guidelines-november-state-wise-relaxations-delhi-maharashtra-tamil-nadu-odisha-6911609/|access-date=11 November 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> Lockdown has been enforced time and again in spite of attempts to permanently move towards an unlock phase.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Mahamulkar|first=Sujit|date=30 December 2020|title=Lockdown Extension in Maharashtra: Maharashtra extends lockdown till January 31 {{!}} Mumbai News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/lockdown-restrictions-in-maharashtra-extended-till-january-31/articleshow/80023646.cms|access-date=2020-12-31|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The government of India has extended the ban on scheduled international flights until January 31.<ref>{{Cite web|title=India extends ban on scheduled international flights till January 31|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/companies/article/india-extends-ban-on-scheduled-international-flights-till-january/701000|access-date=2020-12-31|website=www.timesnownews.com|language=en}}</ref>

===Lockdown in 2021===
{{expand section|date=July 2021}}
In February end 2021, India got hit by the largest COVID wave. It is cited that people started becoming careless, not wearing masks and not following social distancing, around November- April. This wave caused a rapid surge in cases and deaths. Cases started to rise by March 2021, resulting in state-wide lockdowns. In Maharashtra there were total 4 phases of lockdowns from April to June.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

'''<big>April 5–15 June 2021 (lockdown phase)</big>'''

When cases rapidly increased in Maharashtra, CM Uddhav warned people on March 28, 2021, to imposed complete lockdown and night curfew was imposed. Schools and offices remained shut. On 4 April 2021 Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray announced a lockdown until April 30. On 5 April 2021 everything began to close due to rise in COVID-19 second wave. Only online deliveries were free at this stage. Films like [[Sooryavanshi]], [[Bunty Aur Babli 2]] got postponed due to COVID-19's 2nd Wave.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

Several States And UTs Like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Bihar, NCT Of Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, J&K, Ladakh, Goa, Mizoram, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, Telangana, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh imposed complete Lockdown whereas some like Punjab, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland Imposed Partial Lockdown and Major Restrictions.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

From 15 June 2021, Many States started lifting lockdowns and restrictions and moved in Unlock phase.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

== Impact ==
Food delivery services were banned by several state governments despite the central government's approval.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/zomato-swiggy-ordered-to-shut-down-in-several-states/74828652 |title=Zomato, Swiggy ordered to shut down in several states  |newspaper=The Economic Times|last1=Shrivastava |first1=Aditi }}</ref> Thousands of people emigrated out of major Indian cities, as they became jobless after the lockdown.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Priyali Sur |author2=Ben Westcott |title=Indian migrant workers face tough choice amid world's largest lockdown |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/27/india/coronavirus-covid-19-india-2703-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=28 March 2020 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> Following the lockdown, India's electricity demand fell down to a five-month low on 28 March 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/business/story/coronavirus-effect-india-s-electricity-demand-falls-to-5-month-low-after-lockdown-1660339-2020-03-27 |title=Coronavirus effect: India's electricity demand falls to 5-month low after lockdown |website=India Today}}</ref> Many states were keen on opening up liquor shops during the lockdown which was finally allowed in the 3rd phase beginning on 4 May. Reports of a surge in illicit liquor sales and most importantly, drying up of revenue from liquor sales was the main stimulation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/news-analysis/story/not-love-for-liquor-but-money-why-states-want-alcohol-to-flow-during-coronavirus-lockdown-1667221-2020-04-15|title=Not love for liquor but money, why states want alcohol to flow during coronavirus lockdown|first1=Prabhash|last1=Dutta|date=16 April 2020|publisher=Living Media India Ltd.|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Liquor shops in India to open from Monday but conditions apply|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/liquor-shops-in-india-to-open-from-monday-but-conditions-apply-11588406220461.html|last=Kumar|first=Ravi Prakash|date=2 May 2020|website=livemint.com|access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref>

Due to the lockdown, more than 350 deaths were reported as of 10 May, with reasons ranging from starvation, suicides,<ref>{{Cite web|title=The human cost of India's coronavirus lockdown: Deaths by hunger, starvation, suicide and more|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/the-human-cost-of-indias-coronavirus-lockdown-deaths-by-hunger-starvation-suicide-and-more-1.1586956637547|last1=Elsa|first1=Evangeline|date=15 April 2020|website=Gulf News|access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref> exhaustion,<ref>{{Cite news|date=5 May 2020|title=Suicide leading cause for over 300 lockdown deaths in India, says study|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/suicide-leading-cause-for-over-300-lockdown-deaths-in-india-says-study/articleshow/75519279.cms|access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref> road and rail accidents,<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Gettleman|first1=Jeffrey|last2=Raj|first2=Suhasini|last3=Kumar|first3=Hari|date=8 May 2020|title=As India Reopens, Deadly Accidents Break Out|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/08/world/asia/india-leak-train-reopen.html|access-date=13 May 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> police brutality<ref>{{Cite web|title=Covid-19: Probe ordered into ambulance driver's death after assault by policeman|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/covid-19-probe-ordered-into-ambulance-driver-s-death-after-assault-by-policeman/story-45pj0d8MHMh4uudCnribWP.html|last1=Inamdar|first1=Nadeem|date=27 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='Beaten' for stepping out for biscuits, UP teen dies|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/coronavirus-lockdown-beaten-for-stepping-out-for-biscuits-uttar-pradesh-teen-dies/cid/1766154|last1=Srivastava|first1=Piyush|date=19 April 2020|website=The Telegraph|location=Kolkota|access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Farmer beaten by cops amid lockdown dies in Madhya Pradesh, six officers suspended, SP transferred|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/apr/20/farmer-beaten-by-cops-amid-lockdown-dies-in-madhya-pradesh-six-officers-suspended-sp-transferred-2132889.html|last1=Singh|first1=Anuraag|date=20 April 2020|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref> and denial of timely medical care.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Two more gas tragedy victims die of COVID-19 in Bhopal; toll reaches seven|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/apr/21/two-more-gas-tragedy-victims-die-of-covid-19-in-bhopal-toll-reaches-seven-2133237.html|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref> Among the reported deaths, most were among the marginalised migrants and labourers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=More than 300 Indians have died of the coronavirus, and nearly 200 of the lockdown|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/more-than-300-indians-have-died-of-the-coronavirus-and-nearly-200-of-the-lockdown/400714/|last1=Vij|first1=Shivam|date=13 April 2020|website=ThePrint|access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Not Just the Aurangabad Accident, 383 People Have Died Due to the Punitive Lockdown|url=https://thewire.in/rights/migrant-workers-non-coronavirus-lockdown-deaths|last1=Agarwal|first1=Kabir|date=10 May 2020|website=The Wire|access-date=10 May 2020}}</ref>

=== Economic Impact ===
[[File:Stranded Airbus A320s at CCU during 2020 Corona Virus Lockdown.jpg|thumb|Stranded Airbus A320s at CCU/VECC during 2020 Corona Virus Lockdown in India.]]
{{Main|Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in India}}
India had already been experiencing a prolonged economic slowdown.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 June 2020|title=Addressing pre-Covid issues to be crucial for India's recovery|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/addressing-pre-covid-issues-to-be-crucial-for-india-s-recovery/story-KA18SAGU9Uvt0X4pCqAi6H.html|access-date=4 September 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> The GDP growth rate had fallen from 8.2% in January–March 2018 to 3.1% in January–March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Infographic: India's GDP Collapses In Face of Pandemic|url=https://www.statista.com/chart/18245/india-quarterly-gdp-growth/|access-date=4 September 2020|website=Statista Infographics|language=en}}</ref>

In the first quarter of the [[Fiscal year|financial year 2020-2021]], this number went into negative. The GDP growth rate for April–June 2020 was -23.9%, which happened to be the worst ever in history.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=September 1, 2020|first=Aishwarya|last=Paliwal|title=At -23.9%, India's first-quarter GDP data worst in history: A look at past numbers|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/diu/story/india-first-quarter-gdp-data-worst-1717384-2020-09-01|access-date=4 September 2020|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> Crucial parameters like manufacturing, construction, trade, hotel industry saw a decline and slid into negative. Manufacturing growth at -39.3%, Mining growth at -23.3%, Construction growth at -50%, Trade & hotel industry growth at -47%.<ref name=":0" />

Moreover, the effects of the lockdown have been disastrous in terms of household debt.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=1 January 2022|title=Surviving Debt and Survival Debt in Times of Lockdown|url=https://www.epw.in/journal/2022/1/special-articles/surviving-debt-and-survival-debt-times-lockdown.html|access-date=30 March 2022|website=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=57 |issue=1 |language=en}}</ref>

===Migrant workers===
{{Main|Indian migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic}}
[[File:Migrant workers stand in a queue for food at Delhi Govt school during COVID-19 Lockdown at Delhi IMG 20200331 132400.jpg|thumb|Migrant workers stand in a queue for food at Delhi Government school during COVID-19 lockdown at Delhi]]
With factories and workplaces shut down, millions of migrant workers had to deal with the loss of income, food shortages and uncertainty about their future.<ref>{{Cite news|title=In India, the world's biggest lockdown has forced migrants to walk hundreds of miles home|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/india-coronavirus-lockdown-migrant-workers/2020/03/27/a62df166-6f7d-11ea-a156-0048b62cdb51_story.html|last1=Slater|first1=Joanna|last2=Masih|first2=Niha|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=28 March 2020|access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Coronavirus outbreak: Ensuring water, hygiene facilities for migrant labourers can safeguard millions stranded during shutdown|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/coronavirus-outbreak-ensuring-water-hygiene-facilities-for-migrant-labourers-can-safeguard-millions-stranded-during-shutdown-8228331.html|first1=Kanika|last1=Singh|date=6 April 2020|website=Firstpost|access-date=16 May 2020}}</ref> Following this, many of them and their families went hungry.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Abi-Habib|first1=Maria|last2=Yasir|first2=Sameer|date=29 March 2020|title=India's Coronavirus Lockdown Leaves Vast Numbers Stranded and Hungry|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/29/world/asia/coronavirus-india-migrants.html|access-date=13 May 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> While government schemes ensured that the poor would get additional rations due to the lockdown, the distribution system failed to be effective.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Jebaraj|first1=Priscilla|date=8 May 2020|title=Inter-State ration card portability usage very low: Food Minister|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/inter-state-ration-card-portability-usage-very-low-food-minister/article31537575.ece|access-date=9 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Impatient, Starving, Angry: As India Extends Lockdown, Stranded Migrant Workers Emerge as Crisis in Making|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/impatient-starving-angry-as-india-battles-pandemic-stranded-migrant-workers-emerge-as-crisis-in-the-making-2578109.html|date=15 April 2020|first1=Rounak|last1=Kumar Gunjan|website=News18|access-date=9 May 2020}}</ref>

With no work and no money, thousands of migrant workers were seen walking or bicycling hundreds of kilometres to go back to their native villages.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coronavirus update: A long walk home on empty stomachs for masked migrants|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/caught-in-the-middle-of-an-epidemic/story-kJhANZhDiU7SkU5OYUKJbO.html|first1=Pankaj|last1=Jaiswal|date=26 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=9 May 2020}}</ref> Many were arrested for violating the lockdown<ref name="HTWalkTrains8May">{{Cite web|title=Across the country, migrants still forced to walk thousands of miles|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/similar-scenes-in-several-states-despite-new-trains/story-YL9qNcF315SA5o645aj1DP.html|date=8 May 2020|first1=Venkatesha|last1=Babu|first2=Sachin|last2=Saini|first3=Vijay|last3=Swaroop|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=9 May 2020}}</ref> and some died of exhaustion<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coronavirus lockdown: 12-year-old Indian migrant worker walks 100 km, dies just 11km away from home|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/coronavirus-lockdown-12-year-old-indian-migrant-worker-walks-100-km-dies-just-11km-away-from-home-1.1587462168019|website=Gulf News|date=21 April 2020|first1=Evangeline|last1=Elsa|access-date=9 May 2020}}</ref> or in accidents on the roads.<ref>{{Cite web|title=42 Migrant Workers Died in Road Accidents While Trying to Return Home during Lockdown: Report|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/42-migrant-workers-died-in-road-accidents-while-trying-to-return-to-their-home-states-during-lockdown-report-2609841.html|date=7 May 2020|first1=Zeba|last1=Warsi|website=News18|access-date=9 May 2020}}</ref>

On 29 March 2020, the government ordered landlords to not demand rent and employers to pay wages without deduction. It also announced that those who violated the lockdown were to be sent to government-run quarantine facilities for 14 days.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Pandey|first1=Devesh K.|date=29 March 2020|title=Coronavirus {{!}} Migrant workers to be stopped, quarantined at borders, says Centre|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-centre-warns-lockdown-violators-of-14-day-quarantine/article31198038.ece|access-date=2 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Coronavirus crisis: Landlords can't ask rent from students, workers for 1 month|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/coronavirus-crisis-landlords-can-not-ask-rent-from-students-workers-for-1-month/story/399551.html|website=Business Today|first1=Vivek|last1=Dubey|date=29 March 2020}}</ref>

In its report to the [[Supreme Court of India]] on 31 March, the central government stated that the migrant workers, apprehensive about their survival, moved in the panic created by fake news that the lockdown would last for more than three months.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Government Effort To Restrain Media Coverage Of Pandemic Met With Supreme Court Caution|url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/law-and-policy/government-effort-to-restrain-media-coverage-of-pandemic-met-with-supreme-court-caution|last1=Chaturvedi|first1=Arpan|date=1 April 2020|website=BloombergQuint|access-date=10 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Centre blames media 'fake news' for mass migration during lockdown|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/dispatches/article31228357.ece|last1=Rajalakshmi|first1=T. K.|date=1 April 2020|website=The Hindu Frontline|access-date=10 May 2020}}</ref>

In late March, the Uttar Pradesh government decided to arrange buses at Delhi's [[Anand Vihar ISBT|Anand Vihar bus station]] to take the migrants back to their villages for free.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Jha|first1=Somesh|date=29 March 2020|title=Fighting Covid-19: After the long walk, jobless migrants head home by bus|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/fighting-covid-19-after-the-long-walk-jobless-migrants-head-home-by-bus-120032900041_1.html|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> Migrants across the country remained stranded until the last week of April, when the state governments were finally permitted by the central government to operate buses, but not trains.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Buses Not Feasible For Moving Migrants, States Appeal To Centre: Sources|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/buses-not-feasible-for-moving-migrants-states-appeal-to-centre-sources-2221212|publisher=NDTV|first1=Arvind |last1=Gunasekar|date=30 April 2020|access-date=9 May 2020}}</ref>

On 1 May 2020, the central government allowed the Indian Railways to launch "Shramik Special" trains for the migrant workers and others stranded.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Bhargava|first1=Yuthika|date=1 May 2020|title=Coronavirus lockdown {{!}} Railways to run 'Shramik Special' trains to move migrant workers, other stranded persons|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/railways-to-run-shramik-special-trains-to-move-migrant-workers-other-stranded-persons/article31481996.ece|access-date=9 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Due to lack of coordination between originating states and railways, reports were claiming that migrants were being charged for the train tickets. The government faced criticism from the opposition.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Congress' move to sponsor rail fare for migrants sparks political tussle|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/congress-will-pay-for-rail-travel-of-needy-and-migrants-sonia-gandhi-11588564839050.html|author=Anuja|first2=Gyan|last2=Varma|date=4 May 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=9 May 2020}}</ref> The Railways later clarified that it was bearing 85% of the total cost of running and the rest 15% which makes up the ticket fare was being borne by the originating states.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Migrants To Not Pay For Tickets Of Shramik Trains: Railway Board Chairman|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/covid-19-migrants-to-not-pay-for-tickets-of-shramik-trains-railway-board-chairman-2237452|website=NDTV.com|access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='Migrants Don't Have to Pay for Shramik Trains,' Clarify Railways|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/migrants-dont-have-to-pay-for-shramik-trains-railways-clarify-coronavirus-lockdown-news|date=29 May 2020|website=The Quint|access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref>

Despite the launching of special trains and buses by the government, the migrant workers chose to either travel together in large groups. They did not wait their turn to board the government-arranged transport, mainly due to starvation and eagerness to reach their homes soon.<ref>{{Cite web|title=In long walk back home, migrants battle hunger, scourge of Covid-19|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-long-walk-back-home-migrants-battle-hunger-scourge-of-disease/story-TizRfUz69osJQ0Uqmm6jZN.html|last1=Venkatraman|first1=Tanushree|last2=Chauhan|first2=Saurabh|date=16 May 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=16 May 2020|last3=Dey|first3=Sanjoy|last4=Mishra|first4=Ritesh}}</ref> Additionally, they felt that going back to their hometowns, they could return to farming and take up small jobs under the [[MNREGA]].<ref>{{Cite news|others=The Associated Press|date=16 May 2020|title=AP PHOTOS: An Army of Indian Migrant Workers Heads Home|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/05/16/world/asia/ap-as-virus-outbreak-india-migrants-photo-gallery.html|access-date=16 May 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

On 26 May 2020, the Supreme Court admitted that the problems of the migrants had still not been solved and that there had been "inadequacies and certain lapses" on the part of the governments. It thus ordered the Centre and States to provide free food, shelter, and transport to stranded migrant workers.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rajagopal|first=Krishnadas|date=26 May 2020|title=Supreme Court orders Centre and States to immediately provide transport, food and shelter free of cost to stranded migrant workers|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-takes-suo-motu-cognisance-of-migrant-workers-issue/article31679389.ece|access-date=27 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

=== Food supply chain ===
The order issued by the Home Ministry on 24 March allowed the functioning of shops dealing with food items as well as the manufacturing units and transportation of "essential goods". However, the lack of clarity on "essential goods" meant that the policemen on the streets stopped workers going to factories and the trucks carrying food items. Food industries also faced shortages of labour because the workers were unable to reach workplaces and the factory managers faced the fear of legal action. All these factors combined to result in shortages and a rise in the prices of food items.<ref>{{Cite news |title=COVID-19 Border Lockdown: How Precariously Placed are Our Food Supply Chains? |url=https://thewire.in/economy/covid-19-border-lockdown-how-precariously-placed-are-our-food-supply-chains |work=The Wire |first1=Siraj |last1=Hussain |date=29 March 2020}}</ref> By the first week of April, essential industries such as growing, harvesting, and food deliveries were allowed to operate.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/indias-food-supply-chain-frays-as-people-stay-home-11586343607|title=India's Food Supply Chain Frays as People Stay Home|date=8 April 2020}}</ref>

=== Relief ===
On 26 March 2020, the Indian government announced a relief package of $22.6{{nbsp}}billion to assist the poor population hit economically by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. The plan was to benefit the migrant workers through cash transfers and initiatives for [[food security]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-26/india-unveils-22-6-billion-stimulus-to-counter-virus-fallout|title=India Unveils $22.6 Billion Stimulus Plan to Ease Virus Pain|website=Bloomberg|date=26 March 2020 |access-date=26 March 2020}}</ref> However, on 9 April 2020, economists and activists argued that a significant proportion of the affected population was unable to avail the facilities. Only those registered with the federal food welfare scheme were able to secure benefits.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-india-poverty-idUSKCN21S122|title=India's coronavirus relief plan could leave millions without food aid, activists say|work=Reuters|date=10 April 2020|access-date=10 April 2020|last1=Bhardwaj|first1=Zeba Siddiqui}}</ref>

According to a Government of India report filed with the Supreme Court of India, as of 7 April, state governments operated 22,567 relief camps for stranded migrant workers, of which 15,541 camps (amounting to 68% of all) were operated by Kerala, 1,135 camps by Maharashtra, 178 camps by Tamil Nadu and smaller numbers by other states. [[Non-governmental organisations]] were operating 3,909 camps.<ref>{{Cite news|date=7 April 2020|title=Coronavirus {{!}} Centre files report on migrant workers|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-centre-files-report-on-migrant-workers/article31283896.ece|access-date=2 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

On 12 May 2020, modi announced that the government would provide 20<big>{{nbsp}}</big>trillion rupees ($266{{nbsp}}billion) in support package in fiscal and monetary measures to support the economy.<ref>{{Cite news|date=12 May 2020|title=India's modi announces $266 bln economic package after coronavirus hit|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-india-economy-idUSD8N28100W|access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref>

=== Impact on environment ===
Rivers had become cleaner as industries were closed due to the lockdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/lockdown-makes-ganga-water-significantly-cleaner-11586022134242.html|title=Lockdown makes Ganga water significantly cleaner|date=4 April 2020|publisher=LiveMint|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/anxiety-more-time-to-study-for-40k-students-stranded-in-kota/story-LgCluBkrFEITG9qyX16IEI.html|title=Lockdown does what decades of schemes couldn't: Clean Ganga|first1=Haider|last1=Naqvi|first2=Sudhir|last2=Kumar|date=4 April 2020|publisher=HT Digital Streams Ltd.|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/bengaluru/karnataka-frothing-reduces-vrishabhavathi-water-crystal-clear-after-decades/articleshow/75150777.cms|title=Karnataka: Frothing reduces, Vrishabhavathi water crystal clear after decades|first1=Nithya|last1=Mandyam|date=15 April 2020|publisher=Bennett, Coleman and Company Ltd.|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-lockdown-india-fresh-air-clean-rivers-1669726-2020-04-22|title=India's coronavirus lockdown reveals fresh air, cleaner rivers|date=22 April 2020|publisher=Living Media India Ltd.|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/yamuna-cleaner-due-to-lockdown/article31342401.ece|title=Yamuna cleaner due to lockdown|first1=Nikhil|last1=Babu|date=14 April 2020|work=The Hindu|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref> The quality of air had significantly improved during the lockdown especially in [[Metropolitan area|metropolitan]] cities .<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/the-silver-lining-air-pollution|title=The silver lining: air pollution dips amid the lockdown|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref>

=== Effectiveness ===
[[File:Foolproofaprilseries15.png|thumb|A poster for spreading awareness in India about the purpose of lockdown]]
People were seen breaching the lockdown and not following social distancing by crowding in vegetable markets in some places.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/people-throng-vegetable-market-despite-lockdown/article31167795.ece |title=People throng vegetable market despite lockdown |date=25 March 2020 |work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://telanganatoday.com/karimnagar-minister-unhappy-over-people-not-following-social-distancing-norms |title=Karimnagar: Minister unhappy over people not following social distancing norms |website=Telangana Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://theprint.in/opinion/newsmaker-of-the-week/india-did-everything-other-than-social-distancing/389778/ |title=Clapping to slapping – India did everything other than social distancing this week |last1=Rizvi |first1=Sumaira |date=28 March 2020 |website=ThePrint}}</ref> On 29 March, Prime Minister Modi advised against this, urging people to stay home in his ''[[Mann Ki Baat]]'' radio address.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-dedicates-mann-ki-baat-address-to-talk-about-coronavirus-crisis-key-highlights/story-kHK3uV1NaIIP9ZasCb2jQO.html |title='I was extremely hurt...': Key highlights of PM Modi's Mann ki Baat address |date=29 March 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

On 27 March 2020, the police arrested 8 people and registered a complaint against 150 people in [[Hardoi]] for gathering at a mosque.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lockdown violation: 8 arrested in Ayodhya, over 150 booked in Hardoi for assembling in mosques|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/lockdown-violation-8-arrested-in-ayodhya-over-150-booked-in-hardoi-for-assembling-in-mosques/story-Kqxj5u6AP6BmGSlRjWpHUK.html|date=27 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> On 2 April 2020, thousands of people assembled at temples in various parts of [[West Bengal]] defying the lockdown for celebrating [[Rama Navami]].<ref name="The Hindu Ram Navami">{{Cite news|date=2 April 2020|title=Defying lockdown, devotees in Bengal assemble at temples on Ram Navami|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/defying-lockdown-devotees-in-bengal-assemble-at-temples-on-ram-navami/article31237211.ece|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/devotees-assemble-in-temples-on-ram-navami-in-bengal-defying-lockdown-1662621-2020-04-02|title=Devotees assemble in temples on Ram Navami in Bengal defying lockdown|date=2 April 2020|website=India Today}}</ref> 12 members of [[Tablighi Jamaat]] were arrested on 5 April 2020 in [[Muzaffarnagar]] for defying the lockdown and organising an event.<ref>{{Cite web|title=12 Tabligi Jamaat Members from Nepal Booked for Defying Lockdown Orders in UP's Muzaffarnagar|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/12-tabligi-jamaat-members-from-nepal-booked-for-defying-lockdown-orders-in-ups-muzaffarnagar-2564823.html|website=News18|date=5 April 2020|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> A priest in [[Andhra Pradesh]] was arrested for defying the lockdown and organizing a gathering of 150 people in a church.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=ANI|date=5 April 2020|title=Andhra pastor arrested for defying lockdown, conducting Mass with 150 people|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/andhra-pastor-arrested-for-defying-lockdown-conducting-mass-with-150-people-120040501023_1.html|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref>

According to a study at [[Shiv Nadar University]], India could have witnessed a surge of 31,000 cases of the disease between 24 March and 14 April without lockdown.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Sagar Kulkarni|title=India would have seen 31,000 coronavirus cases without lockdown: Researches|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/india-would-have-seen-31000-coronavirus-cases-without-lockdown-researches-821010.html|work=Deccan Herald|date=3 April 2020|access-date=4 April 2020}}</ref> A group of researchers at the [[University of Oxford]] who tracked the governmental policy measures to counter the pandemic rated India's lockdown as one of the most stringent in the world, scoring "100 out of 100" on their tracker. They noted that India implemented school closures, border closure, travel bans, etc. but they said it was too early to measure their success in containing the pandemic.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-implements-strictest-lockdown-in-the-world-lags-in-testing-expert-1665604-2020-04-10|title=India implements strictest lockdown in the world, lags in testing: Expert|date=11 April 2020|access-date=11 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/healthcare/study-reveals-indias-response-to-coronavirus-most-stringent-5666531.htm|title=Study reveals India's response to coronavirus most stringent|date=11 April 2020|access-date=11 April 2020}}</ref>

Shamika Ravi from [[Brookings Institution]] in India has noted that the growth rate of the pandemic has slowed from doubling every three days before the lockdown to doubling every six days by 6 April. It was derailed in the intervening period by the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India#Timeline|Tablighi Jamaat super spreader event]] in Nizamuddin.<ref name="The Print slowed">{{Cite web|title=R0 data shows India's coronavirus infection rate has slowed, gives lockdown a thumbs up|url=https://theprint.in/science/r0-data-shows-indias-coronavirus-infection-rate-has-slowed-gives-lockdown-a-thumbs-up/399734/|last=Sandhya Ramesh|date=14 April 2020|website=ThePrint|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> By 25 April, it had further slowed to a rate of doubling every twelve days.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/ShamikaRavi/status/1254258975656165377/photo/2 |first1=Shamika |last1=Ravi |title=Active cases in India as of April 25 (Brookings Institution India) |date=25 April 2020}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=May 2020}}

In a routine press briefing on 22 May, Dr. VK Paul, chairman of the national task force on COVID-19, along with officials from the [[Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation]], announced that the growth rate of new cases came down to 5.5% on 15 May from 22.6% on 3 April. The doubling rate of cases stood at 13.5 days. The death rate decreased to 5.5% from 48.1% on 5 April.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

Based on estimation models from various independent sources and [[Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation|MoSPI]] it was predicted that lockdown (1.0 + 2.0) helped avert 14-29{{nbsp}}lakh cases and 37,000-78,000 deaths until 15 May.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Press Information Bureau|url=https://pib.gov.in/WebcastMore.aspx?webcast_tempID=434|website=pib.gov.in|access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=At least 14-29 lakh Covid cases averted due to early lockdown: Govt|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/at-least-14-29-lakh-covid-cases-averted-due-to-early-lockdown-govt-6422545/|date=22 May 2020|website=The Indian Express|access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=No. of COVID-19 cases averted due to lockdown is in 14-29 lakh range, 37000-78000 lives saved: Govt|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/no-of-covid-19-cases-averted-due-to-lockdown-is-in-14-29-lakh-range-37000-78000-lives-saved-govt/articleshow/75894356.cms|website=Business Insider|access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref>

Among various estimation models presented at the briefing the one by [[Boston Consulting Group]] showed that 1.2M-210,000 lives were saved and 36-70{{nbsp}}lakh cases were averted due to the lockdown until 15 May.<ref name=":1" /> Another model by [[Public Health Foundation of India]] predicted that 78,000 deaths were averted during the period.<ref name=":1" />

==Reception==
[[Henk Bekedam]], [[World Health Organization|WHO]] Representative to India, praised the response describing it as "timely, comprehensive and robust".<ref name="UN"/> WHO executive director, [[Michael J. Ryan (doctor)|Mike Ryan]] said that lockdowns alone will not eliminate coronavirus. He said that India must take necessary measures to prevent a second and third wave of infections.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-pandemic-who-india-lockdown-1659803-2020-03-26 |title=Lockdowns alone won't eliminate coronavirus: WHO to India |website=India Today}}</ref> On 3 April 2020, Dr [[David Nabarro]], WHO's special envoy on the disease, said that the "Lockdown in India was early, far-sighted and courageous" and was better than waiting for another 3 or 4 weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/lockdown-in-india-was-early-this-was-far-sighted-courageous-move-who-special-envoy-on-covid-19/story-wNdCkNVOqV5gCN8Du9jJ3N.html |title='Lockdown in India was early, far-sighted and courageous': WHO envoy - india news |work=Hindustan Times |date= 2 April 2020|access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref>

In late March, two researchers from the [[University of Cambridge]] came up with a new mathematical model that predicts a flat 49-day countrywide lockdown or sustained lockdown with periodic relaxation extending over two months may be necessary to prevent COVID-19 resurgence in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/49-day-lockdown-necessary-to-stop-coronavirus-resurgence-in-india-study-11585473979844.html|title=49-day lockdown necessary to stop coronavirus resurgence in India: Study|date=29 March 2020|publisher=Livemint|access-date=14 April 2020}}</ref>

According to ''[[The Economist]]'', the lockdown was "all but certain to have exacerbated" the devastation of the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite news|title=The hard choices covid policymakers face|newspaper=The Economist|url=https://www.economist.com/briefing/2020/04/04/the-hard-choices-covid-policymakers-face|date=4 April 2020|url-access=subscription|access-date=17 June 2020|issn=0013-0613}}</ref>

The [[Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy]] (CDDEP) issued a report in late March, in collaboration with researchers from [[Johns Hopkins University]] and [[Princeton University]], where it said that a national lockdown is not "productive" and could cause "serious economic damage". It advocated state-level lockdowns in the most affected states. Its models predicted that in the best-case scenario, a peak of one million hospitalisations would be encountered in early June.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/india-may-see-25-crore-covid19-cases-in-next-3-months-report/1781248 |title=India may see 25 crore COVID-19 cases in next 3 months: Report |website=Outlook India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=The bad, the worse and the worst: Where India is headed on COVID graph|url=https://thefederal.com/analysis/the-bad-the-worse-and-the-worst-where-india-is-headed-on-coronavirus-graph/|last1=Dharur |first1=Suresh |last2=Srinivasan |first2=Venkataraghavan |date=29 March 2020|work=The Federal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=COVID-19 Modeling with IndiaSIM|url=https://cddep.org/covid-19/|website=Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (CDDEP)|date=9 March 2020 |access-date=24 March 2020}}</ref>{{efn |There was some confusion regarding the involvement of the [[Johns Hopkins University]] as the University said that the use of its logo was unauthorised. However, the University's International Health Twitter handle reaffirmed its association with the CDDEP and the report. The [[Princeton University]] also acknowledged the affiliation of its researchers and pointed out that the work will be submitted to peer review.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Johns Hopkins University ties itself in knots over alarmist economist|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/johns-hopkins-university-ties-itself-in-knots-over-alarmist-economist/1783952|work=Outlook|date=29 March 2020}}</ref>}} In an op-ed in ''[[The New York Times]]'', the CDDEP director Laxminarayan explained that if the national lockdown finds good compliance, it would reduce the peak infections in early May by 70 to 80 percent, but still 1 million would require hospitalisation and critical care. He further hypothesised If the lockdown was not imposed the number of critical patients would have reached 5-6{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Laxminarayan|first1=Ramanan|date=27 March 2020|title=Opinion {{!}} What India Needs to Fight the Virus|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/opinion/india-coronavirus-lockdown.html|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

The CDDEP released another report on 20 April, again in collaboration with researchers from Johns Hopkins University and Princeton University. This report discussed the "potential impact of the lockdown". The study concluded that the lockdown would help in significantly slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the country. It said that the lockdown would buy the government critical precursory time to expand COVID-19 healthcare infrastructure, by keeping the hospitalisation rates in check and preventing the overwhelming of existing healthcare facilities. The study also said that the lockdown measures like physical distancing, ban on social gatherings, and movement restrictions would further delay and reduce the peak of infections and hospitalisation.<ref>{{Cite web|title=COVID-19 in India: Potential Impact of the Lockdown and Other Longer-Term Policies|url=https://cddep.org/publications/covid-19-india-potential-impact-of-the-lockdown-and-other-longer-term-policies/|website=Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (CDDEP)|date=20 April 2020 |access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref>

Economist [[Jean Drèze]] stated that the lockdown had been "almost a death sentence" for the underprivileged of the country, in an interview with ''[[News18]]''. He went on to say, "The policies are made or influenced by a class of people who pay little attention to the consequences for the underprivileged".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lockdown & Labour Pain: The Demand for MNREGA Work Has Never Been so Strong, Says Economist Jean Dreze|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/lockdown-labour-pain-the-demand-for-mnrega-work-has-never-been-so-strong-says-economist-jean-dreze-2600383.html|first1=Rupashree|last1=Nanda|date=1 May 2020|website=News18|access-date=23 May 2020}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[COVID-19 lockdown in China]]
* [[COVID-19 lockdown in Italy]]
* [[Enhanced community quarantine in Luzon]]
* [[Malaysian movement control order]]
* [[Indonesia large-scale social restrictions]]
* [[2020–21 Singapore circuit breaker measures]]
* [[COVID-19 community quarantines in the Philippines]]
* [[COVID-19 lockdowns]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{COVID-19 pandemic}}
{{COVID-19 pandemic in India}}

[[Category:2020 in India]]
[[Category:Containment efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic|India]]
[[Category:Country lockdowns|India]]
[[Category:COVID-19 pandemic in India]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]