New Delhi: Large gatherings were banned in Delhi today as part of the countrywide battle against coronavirus, which has killed more than 11,000 people across the world. The prohibitory orders would start at 9 pm today - when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 14-hour "Janata curfew" - underscoring the need for social distancing - comes to an end. Several states have issued orders extending the "Janata Curfew" till next morning.
Citing the possibility of community transmission - the third stage where it becomes impossible to track the chain of transmission -- the police said action would be taken against anyone found violating prohibitory orders. The penalty in such cases is a month's jail term or a fine, or both.
Over the last few days, all states and the Centre have been slowly imposing lockdown. From schools and colleges, shops, malls, gyms and swimming pools and starting today, transport will be under its ambit.
Already incoming international flights have been temporarily suspended.
Very soon, metros, railways and interstate buses will come to a stop. Rajasthan and Punjab have stopped all public transport.
But getting people to stay at home, avoiding crowded places, is virtually the last mile and the biggest challenge in social distancing, which is where the police are hoping that the prohibitory order will come in.
Over the last few days, around 20 people who were coronavirus positive, have boarded trains and flights, defying quarantine rules and putting at risk dozens of co-passengers and crew.
Currently, there is no penalty for jumping quarantine at the central level. Action can be taken under the Indian Penal Code as per Epidemic Diseases Act - which involves a one to six-month jail term and a Rs 200-Rs 1000 fine.