The move puts nearly one-fifth of the world's population under lockdown. The announcement set off panic in many neighborhoods as people rushed to markets to stock up on supplies. Indian health officials have reported 469 active cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, and 10 deaths. Officials have repeatedly insisted there is no evidence yet of localized spread but have conducted relatively scant testing for the disease. In a country where tens of millions live in dense urban areas with irregular access to clean water, experts have said local spreading is inevitable.

Source: International New York Times March 24, 2020 15:12 UTC